Just off O’Neil Court in Columbia, Maurice’s Piggie Park continues a barbecue tradition that’s deeply rooted in South Carolina history. Known for its signature mustard-based sauce and slow-smoked meats, this location carries forward the same values that have defined the brand for decades: real wood, real smoke, and real Southern flavor.
At Maurice’s, barbecue still means cooking the old-fashioned way. That means hardwood coals and open pits, where pork shoulders, ribs, chicken, and more are smoked for hours until the flavor runs deep. It’s a method the restaurant has relied on for generations—and one they believe brings out the best in every cut of meat.
“Pit-smoked BBQ gets its deep flavor from the natural smoke of real wood embers,” the team explains. It’s that commitment to process that continues to set Maurice’s apart in an ever-changing BBQ landscape.
No visit to Maurice’s would be complete without a taste of its famous “Southern Gold” sauce. This tangy, mustard-based recipe has been a defining feature of Midlands BBQ for generations, and it remains the backbone of Maurice’s flavor profile. Whether used on pork, chicken, or even fries, it adds a punch that fans know and love.
Other sauce options are available—including Honey, Spicy, Hickory Red, and Original Red—but the mustard is what made the brand and keeps it grounded in local tradition. As Maurice’s tells it, the origins of this unique flavor “were inspired by the German heritage of South Carolina’s early settlers.”
This location offers the same wide-ranging menu that fans have come to expect. From pulled pork and chopped brisket to smoked chicken and ribs, there’s a plate for every preference. Guests can choose from classic BBQ combos, oversized sandwiches, and pitmaster plates.
Side options include staples like hash and rice, baked mac and cheese, fried okra, BBQ beans, collards, and sweet potato casserole. There are also family-style meals available for those looking to take dinner home, plus a kids’ menu with familiar favorites.
To end things on a sweet note, desserts like banana pudding and pecan pie round out the experience.
At Maurice’s Piggie Park on O’Neil Court, the emphasis is on consistency and quality. This location delivers the same pit-smoked meats, scratch-made sides, and iconic mustard sauce that have made the brand a South Carolina institution. Whether you’re a longtime regular or trying it for the first time, you’ll find the same warm welcome and time-tested flavor that keep people coming back.
(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.)
Find more videos on their YouTube and TikTok channels.
Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide T Hudson may use some strange words but his message is clear:
I will say this is one small place with a thing for good ole BBQ! Some of the only, an amazing mustard style BBQ.. now before you knock it, you better try it, nothing like you would imahiimit taste! Actually visited twice while I was working out of town!
Over on Yelp, Barbara H, also visiting, liked what she discovered at Maurice’s:
Well it’s just a bit different than most BBQ places. They do use the mustard base sauce and they do serve it already mixed. Hush puppies were probably the best I’ve ever had…..cold slaw was tasty too and we all know that cold slaw is hard to master. Service was great. The girl who took my order walked over to my table to see if I liked it and if I needed anything. Give it a try
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 Maurice’s Piggie Park to be 100-Mile BBQ, their highest rating.
Here’s an excerpt from their review:
Maurice’s is true 100 mile barbeque and it’s conveniently located so that everyone in the central part of the state can easily stop by and fill up. And since they operate seven days a week they can do so whenever they desire. So, for over 50 years people have come to just expect that succulent, slow cooked-over-coals, top quality barbeque to always be there and easily obtainable.
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.
Maurice’s restaurants can be found at these locations:
Columbia
West Columbia
Lexington
Irmo
Gifts for Your Favorite Pitmaster
(even if that's you!)
On
Etsy
Shirts, hats, & more designed exclusively by Destination BBQ.
| Monday | |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | |
| Sunday |
100 Mile BBQ, Cards and Cash, Hash, Heavy Tomato Sauce, Light Tomato Sauce, Mustard Sauce, True 'Cue Certified, Vinegar Pepper Sauce
This cookbook was interesting reading on facts If you want to know more about regional BBQ, buy it. Worth the price. I prefer mustard sauces, make my own and always looking for ideas to make it better. However, I’m not sold on that BBQ was invented in SC.
SC's most flavorful secrets revealed: 2025 SC BBQ Survey results are in!
