Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse
Working for years to open Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse to Morgan Square in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, the owners fought to bring their “unique” vision to life.
Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse is not your typical southern barbecue stuffed in a Styrofoam clamshell with slaw and beans. It stands alone as a gastro-smokehouse experience with a bourbon-themed bar.
The same folks who operate UnderPin Lanes N’ Lounge downstairs and adjoining event center, run Initial Q.
“It’s very exciting,” said operations manager Stacey Wingate. “This has been a long time coming.
“We spent really more than two years planning and preparing it. We got this idea for an upscale smokehouse and thought it would be something cool and new for downtown Spartanburg.”
On the Menu
One side of the menu features amazing protein options. You’ll find more than typical southern barbecue selections of brisket, pulled pork and chicken.
Customers can pair their choice of protein with two sides, pepper jack grits, or a salad. In addition, they could opt to make a sandwich, putting their choice of protein between a grilled brioche bun.
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The “IQ platter” gives guests the option to pair any four of the smoked items with three sides.
Protein options include the following: pulled pork, chopped chicken, brisket, homemade sausage, tofu, rabbit, shrimp, or a duck confit.
Sides include honey coleslaw, mac and cheese, baked beans, mashed potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, and more.
“Smoking foods is our bread and butter,” Wingate said, “but if you don’t like smoked foods, there will be something for you.”
In addition to the primary smoked items, the other side of Initial Q’s menu offers specialty entrees from the kitchen.
Appetizers include smoked wings, smoked ahi tuna, a meat-and-cheese board, pimento cheese and crackers, and a truffle white bean dip.
Plates include a grilled Angus filet, hickory smoked pork belly, grilled salmon, bourbon barrel smoked sirloin strip, bone-in chicken breast smoked over apple, pecan, and caramel spiced sweet potatoes, and BBQ-glazed tofu.
Initial Q also offers salads and desserts. Desserts include a triple chocolate torte, a white chocolate Krispy Kreme bread pudding, and a nightingale ice cream sandwich.
Current Days and Hours of Operation
Currently, the restaurant is open during dinner hours, from 5-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 4-9 p.m. Sunday.
The bar opens at 4 p.m each day of operation, but the business is closed Monday. Eventually, lunch hours and a lunch menu will be added, Wingate said. There’s also a plan to introduce live music.
“We are going to do a lot of really cool and unique things that I think will be well-received,” Wingate said.
Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse in Spartanburg is not far from Exit 72 on Interstate 85 and even closer from Exit 21B on Interstate 26. If you’re taking a Road Trip on either interstate, take a quick detour to enjoy some great BBQ.
What Folks are Saying about Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse
Google Review
Google reviewer Jeff White took a gamble on Initial Q shortly after it opened and hit the lottery:
I think this is the first restaurant I’ve ever left a review for, but I can’t say enough about this place. It was a roll of a dice on Valentine’s Day (3 days after opening) and it was a winner.
The food was absolutely amazing and the service was perfect.
Will be back and will tell lots of people about it.
Yelp Review
Over on Yelp, Kevin H and his wife sampled a good portion of the menu:
Ok, I usually do not give a five-star rating, however, Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse is an exception. We tried this restaurant out with another couple and we were not disappointed.
First off, I want to thank Josh, he was a great waiter.
Ok now for the food. I ordered the IQ platter. I picked four meats, pulled pork, chopped chicken, brisket, and smoked sausage. The meats were all very good. You just have to try them because they were all fantastic.
I also had pepper jack grits which were smooth and creamy. The fries were crispy and seasoned just right. Also had Brussels sprouts and the house slaw. Really very good flavor and portions.
The wife ordered the “Feeling Peachy” drink and said it was quite tasty. Maybe so tasty she ordered two.
I’ve eaten a lot of BBQ and this place certainly takes it a step further.
BBQ preference can get personal so one person’s opinion on BBQ might be very different from another’s but in this case all the food was good so give this restaurant a try.
Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More
Map
Directions
Contact Initial Q Social Bar & Smokehouse
Spartanburg, SC 29306
Hours of Operation
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
Social Media
Review Sites
Features
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