Tucked along one of Lexington’s busiest corridors, Maurice’s Piggie Park on South Lake Drive offers a steady dose of real-deal South Carolina barbecue. Known for sticking to the basics that built its name—wood-smoked meats, signature sauces, and hearty Southern sides—this location brings barbecue tradition to a modern-day table without losing touch with its roots.
Whether you’re stopping by on your lunch hour or picking up supper on your way home, Maurice’s on South Lake Drive delivers a dependable and flavorful experience that locals have counted on for decades.
What sets Maurice’s apart isn’t just the meat—it’s the method. Every cut is smoked over hardwood coals in open pits, using the same techniques that have anchored the brand for generations. From pulled pork and ribs to brisket, turkey, and BBQ chicken, everything is cooked low and slow until the smoke has done its work.
As the restaurant proudly notes, “pit-smoked BBQ gets its deep flavor from the natural smoke of real wood embers.” It’s a hands-on, time-honored way of cooking that still holds strong at the South Lake Drive location.
Maurice’s is practically synonymous with mustard-based barbecue sauce in the Midlands. Their original “Southern Gold” sauce—bright, bold, and tangy—remains the heart of the menu. Inspired by the flavors introduced by early German settlers, it has since become a staple not just in Columbia, but across the region.
Alongside the classic, guests can choose from a range of other sauces like Spicy, Honey, Hickory Red, and Original Red. But it’s the golden mustard blend that continues to define the Maurice’s experience.
This location offers a full selection of BBQ favorites, whether you’re craving a pulled pork plate, a brisket sandwich, or a combo of ribs and chicken. Sides are made fresh and include longtime favorites like hash and rice, collards, fried okra, mac and cheese, BBQ beans, sweet potato casserole, and slaw.
You’ll also find hearty sandwiches served on buns, and value-friendly Party Packages perfect for sharing. A kids’ menu ensures there’s something for everyone, and desserts like banana pudding and pecan pie bring just the right finishing touch.
Maurice’s Piggie Park on South Lake Drive holds fast to what makes South Carolina barbecue special. With a deep respect for tradition, a pit full of hardwood embers, and plates stacked with flavor, this location keeps the barbecue flame burning strong in Lexington. Whether you’re a longtime regular or new to the area, it’s the kind of place that feels familiar from the first bite.
(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.)
Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide Andrew Christensen was wowed by the food:
The food quality and flavor are amazing. I really enjoyed the brisket. People are really friendly and the customer service is top notch. The only downside is inside is dated and not much to look at and outside nothing but a really busy road. However when going to a restaurant it is about the food. The food is awesome.
Over on Yelp, Caroline C seems to have enjoyed everything she tried at Maurice’s on South Lake Dr:
The ribs are phenomenal! Just the right amount of sauce spread out on the ribs and not drizzled like other places. Spreading really does enhance the flavor. The big one on S Lake Drive in Lexington is the best. Just my opinion.
The ribs are great, the greens, hush puppies, sweet potato fries, onion rings, all of it is delicious. Did I mention the ribs? If you are a rib person, you have to try this Maurice’s ribs. You won’t be disappointed. Go ahead and get the 5 rib plate because left overs (if you have any) are always great!
Service was good – nice, friendly, small town folks. The place looks like a diner but it is clean. Definitely will come back.
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.
Find more videos on their YouTube and TikTok channels.
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
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