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Scott’s Family Barbecue (Ricky Scott’s BBQ)

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Ricky Scott’s BBQ hides in Hell’s Half Acre near Kingstree.

Open on Thursdays only, and only until they sell out, this is must-try barbecue. Ricky Scott’s BBQ stands out as classic wood-cooked, whole hog barbecue that exemplifies authentic, old-school South Carolina vinegar-based barbecue at its best.

However, there’s something you need to understand.

Ricky Scott’s BBQ is not a restaurant. It’s takeout only and not anything like you might expect, finding them on this site of SC BBQ spots around South Carolina.

What you will find here is an old shed of a place down a dirt drive beside a mobile home and a patch of vegetables and in front of a larger field.

It’s likely to be a bit intimidating to the uninitiated without a bit of wanderlust.

True ‘Cue

In The One True Barbecue, author Rien Fertel wrote the following:

Black shirt reading Hash & Rice.

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What I found was a potholed dirt road leading to a wooden shack, one half of its exterior painted a pale pink, the other half remaining unfinished because, it seemed, the paint had run out. Behind this was a cinderblock structure, the pit house, brushed in the same flashy shade.

A crooked television antenna protruded from its low-slung roof. At the back of the otherwise unremarkable pit house, its chimney looked like a bit of folk art sculpture, twisted panels of rusted tin roofing held together with rebar and attached to the building with wire, a Rube Goldberg contraption that somehow funneled smoke into the sky.

What most barbecue lovers understand is that some of the world’s best barbecue comes from some of the least inviting locations. Ricky Scott’s BBQ is no different.

However, Ricky only cooks on Thursday, and only then when he wants to. Don’t go if you don’t call ahead to see if Ricky’s is open and has any barbecue left.

There are no real hours when he’s open. Consider the hours we’ve listed below as a sort of guide, not a rule.

Tasting Ricky Scott’s BBQ

What can you expect when the stars align? Pure delight.

Fertel eloquently writes the following:

I waited until a dozen or so customers were served before ordering my pound of roast and smoked pork flesh. I will not say how Ricky Scott’s BBQ tasted that evening. My words could never do his work justice.

But I will confirm that I cleaned every lick of meat and fat from that Styrofoam tray. I will admit to tipping the tray upward to drink down the vinegar and pepper-laced barbecue sauce.

Ricky offered another pull of pork, but I had eaten until I could eat no more.

I was satiated, belly and mind.

If you’re willing to take a chance and venture into an uncommon location, you will be rewarded with some of the best vinegar-based whole hog barbecue you’re likely to ever enjoy.

And bring cash; Ricky does not accept cards.

Get to Know Ricky Scott

Enjoy the following short film by Southern Foodways Alliance about Ricky Scott and his barbecue.

This documentary will introduce you to Scott, his work with the county as the Director of Public Works, his work with the Kingstree fire department, and most importantly, his work with whole hogs in the pit.

Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More

Scott Family Farm and Barbecue (Ricky's BBQ) in Hell's Half Acre (Kingstree)

Map

Directions

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Contact Scott’s Family Barbecue (Ricky Scott’s BBQ)

492 F Guerry Rd.
Kingstree, SC 29556

Hours of Operation

Features

Cash Only, Vinegar Pepper Sauce, Whole Hog

GOING WHOLE HOG COOKBOOK - NOW AVAILABLE