SlowCountry BBQ & Grill brings a fresh perspective to a well-known Hilton Head address. Located in the heart of Coligny Plaza, the restaurant occupies the former home of Forrest Fire BBQ. While ownership remains in the hands of Lee and Heather Lucier, along with JR and Leslie Richardson, a shift in management has ushered in a new identity rooted in both tradition and flexibility.
The name reflects more than just wordplay. “Things are a little ‘slower’ in the Lowcountry. Hence the name ‘SlowCountry,’” says Lee Lucier. That same spirit carries through the kitchen, the counter, and the pace of a meal meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
One of the most noticeable changes is the departure from the old tray-and-slide cafeteria format. In its place, a modern counter-service model invites guests to order at the register and have their meals brought to the table.
It’s a small shift that goes a long way in creating a more comfortable and leisurely experience. As Anna Claire Miller of The Island Packet described it, the restaurant now offers “a refreshed take on Southern comfort food with a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.”
Courtney McGinley of What Now Charleston echoed that shift, noting that SlowCountry is moving toward “a more immersive and relaxed dining experience.”
At its foundation, SlowCountry remains a barbecue restaurant. The smokehouse relies on a gas-assisted wood fire setup, a method that ensures consistency while still delivering the flavor depth that only wood can provide.
The pulled pork is made from pork butts, smoked low and slow, then hand-pulled to order. St. Louis–style ribs deliver a balanced chew and bark, while the Texas-style brisket arrives sliced thin, with a clear smoke ring and a soft, even grain.
Sauce options cover two South Carolina standards: a light tomato-vinegar blend and a classic mustard-based offering—both designed to complement, not overshadow, the meat.
Though barbecue anchors the menu, it’s not the only draw. The kitchen runs a full slate of made-from-scratch starters and sides that reflect the region’s broader comfort food traditions.
Starters include Boiled Peanut Hummus, Burnt Ends Brisket Chili, Georgia Shrimp & Crab Gumbo, and soft-baked Pretzel Bites. Sides are familiar but well executed—mac and cheese, burnt end beans, potato salad, and coleslaw among them—all made in-house and served fresh daily.
This attention to detail and commitment to scratch cooking is a throughline, whether you’re ordering smoked meats or simply grazing through the sides.
Where SlowCountry expands most from its predecessor is in its approach to sandwiches and burgers. Burgers are hand-pattied and range from the modest single-patty House Burger to the towering McMansion, built with three layers of beef.
More inventive options, like the Brisket Sloppy Joe, offer a smoky, saucy twist on the traditional, while the All Clucked Up fried chicken sandwich comes double-battered for crunch and seasoned with restraint.
These are offerings built to satisfy a broader audience—not just barbecue purists, but also families and beachgoers looking for hearty fare with a Southern accent.
SlowCountry has also embraced flexibility when it comes to serving groups. Their “Que To Go” packs range from a Date Night bundle for two to a full Family & Friends pack designed to feed eight. Each comes with a combination of meats, sides, buns, and sauces—making them well-suited for vacationers, office lunches, or weeknight dinners.
Weekday visitors can also take advantage of a buy-one-get-one-free sandwich special from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., an offer that makes trying multiple menu items a low-risk proposition.
Situated beside FISH Casual Coastal Seafood in Coligny Plaza, SlowCountry’s atmosphere is comfortable and family-friendly without feeling formulaic. The open floor plan, clean finishes, and natural light support the updated service model and help the food take center stage.
Whether dining in or grabbing takeout, the space is designed to slow things down just enough—a nod to the restaurant’s name and the pace of island life.
In a region where barbecue is often defined by long-standing tradition and regional allegiance, SlowCountry takes a broader approach. It offers the essentials—pulled pork, ribs, brisket—with care, but leaves room for creativity in the form of burgers, sandwiches, and unexpected starters.
By balancing a smokehouse foundation with a full, scratch-made menu and service designed for modern diners, SlowCountry BBQ & Grill manages to honor where it’s from without being confined by it. In doing so, it’s carving out a comfortable place in Hilton Head’s evolving dining scene—one plate at a time.
Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide Micah Coley found great value in his visit:
I ordered the brisket with the beans and potato salad. I’m 175 lbs and I couldn’t finish it. Definitely the biggest portion of meat in the area, and it was only $18. Very good price for the area. It had a great smoked flavor and was very tender. Great service and atmosphere
Food: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 5/5
Over on Facebook, Hilton Head local Max Gregori knows where to go in the area:
I’ve visited HHI my entire life and lived here for a few years now, I’ve tried all the BBQ spots, but nothing compares to this place!!! Real deal BBQ has arrived to HHI, go get some. Not to mention the great atmosphere and cool spot in the heart of Coligny.
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
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