Smoke ‘Em Barbecue Joint
Passion for Barbecue
“Best BBQ in town! The pulled pork egg rolls are a must-try!” – Yelp Reviewer
Welcome to Smoke ‘Em, a beloved BBQ joint nestled in the heart of Saint Matthews, South Carolina. This isn’t your average barbecue spot – it’s a place where the love for good food, community, and a bit of adventure come together.
Smoke ‘Em was born out of a passion for barbecue and a phrase that stuck. Owner and Head Chef McKinley Till opened his catering company in 2019, where he offered whole hogs on the menu.
Because of that, he had shirts made with the phrase “Smoke ‘Em,” so when he decided to open up a barbecue restaurant, it was only right to incorporate that phrase in the name of the restaurant.
The Man Behind the Smoke
McKinley’s roots run deep in Orangeburg, SC. His journey began in Calhoun County, where he attended school and even played on the 2004 Football State Championship Team at Calhoun Academy. After high school, he ventured to Columbia, cutting his teeth in the world of fine dining.
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McKinley’s love for music took him on travels along the East Coast with his band, an experience that infused a distinct musical vibe into the ambiance of Smoke ‘Em. Between 2014 and 2018, he served as the Administrative Executive Chef for a retirement community in Blythewood, further honing his culinary skills.
Since 2017, McKinley has also been working as a Private Chef at the prestigious Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, taking a break only this past year to focus on his passion project – smoking meats!
In the fall of 2018, McKinley’s culinary journey took an exciting turn. While working for a motion picture catering company in Charleston, SC, he realized his dream of owning his own food business.
This led to the birth of Palmetto Peach Catering in June 2019, a full-service catering company that McKinley still runs on weekends today.
When he heard about a location in Saint Matthews in December 2022, he knew it was the perfect place to bring his dream to life. He was thrilled at the prospect of giving back to the community he holds dear.
Today, you’re likely to see McKinley working diligently in the kitchen whenever you walk through the doors of Smoke ‘Em. He takes great pleasure in creating a space where locals and visitors can gather and enjoy good food and company.
Despite his busy schedule, McKinley finds time to indulge in his hobbies. Whether it’s offshore fishing, playing the guitar, hunting, golfing, or cooking, he’s always on the move. And yes, you read that right – even in his free time, McKinley can’t resist the allure of the kitchen!
The Smoke ‘Em Menu
The menu at Smoke ‘Em is a testament to McKinley’s culinary journey and his love for barbecue.
Always on the menu, you’ll find barbecue, brisket, and barbecued chicken.
“We slow smoke our pork butts on our homemade propane gas cooker. It is a mixture of chopped and pulled!” shares McKinley.
“All of our recipes are made from Head Chef McKinley!” they told us. “We suvie our pickles weekly and even offer them fried as an appetizer!
“Our most popular item on the menu and a customer favorite by far is our Barbecue Egg Rolls! We put our famous collards, mac and cheese, and pulled pork in an egg roll wrapper and deep fry them and serve with our homemade Alabama White Sauce! If you find yourself at Smoke ‘Em, you have to try them!
“Speaking of our famous collards, we have been told that we have the best collards. McKinley prides himself on his collards!”
The restaurant also serves smoked brisket, chicken quarters, and chicken wings. But it’s not just about the meats at Smoke ‘Em.
The sauces, all made in-house, add a unique twist to the barbecue experience. From the red pepper vinegar called Snoops OG Pepper Sauce to the mustard-based sauce named Elsie’e Bangin’ Blonde, each sauce has a story: “All of our sauces are named after the owner’s dogs!”
You’ll also enjoy a sweet red called KiKi’s Sweet Red Sauce and an Alabama White Sauce at Smoke ‘Em.
A Community Gathering Spot
Smoke ‘Em is more than just a restaurant. It’s a place where locals and out-of-town visitors gather and spend time together. McKinley has created a space that reflects his love for music and the local community.
One question keeps coming up for McKinley: Why are you closed on the weekend?
“The answer is that we run a full catering company on the weekends! Our catering menu is very extensive, and we can do just about anything! If you’re planning an event and need a yummy meal to complete it, give us a shout! We’d love to help you out!”
With a 5.0 rating on Facebook and glowing reviews on Yelp and Google, Smoke ‘Em has quickly become a favorite in the community. As one Google reviewer put it, “This place is a hidden gem. The food is amazing, and the service is top-notch.”
So, whether you’re a local looking for a new spot to try or an out-of-town visitor craving some authentic South Carolina barbecue , Smoke ‘Em is the place to be. As McKinley himself would say, “Come by and see us so we can show you why we’ve been nominated for twelve different categories” in the Times and Democrat “Best of” voting just months after they opened.
For more information or to inquire about catering services, you can reach Smoke ‘Em with the contact information provided below.
What Folks Are Saying
Google Review
Among the many Google Reviews, Local Guide “Tasty Yet Healthy” found something unexpected at Smoke ‘Em Barbecue Joint:
Amazing experience!! So glad we found this new gem!
My husband got the smoked wings, pulled pork, brisket, rice and hash, and fries!! These guys know how to smoke! Everything was perfect.
Most of the time you don’t get other options at a BBQ spot. But the Ahi Tuna Wantons were something special, full of flavor, the tuna was perfect, sauce was sweet.
There was a sea bass special you could get on a sandwich or with a mushroom cream pasta! Never would I imagine pasta at a BBQ place, but so glad I did. These chefs are talented!
It’s in a super cute house. Love you can see into the kitchen. Staff was so friendly. Can’t wait to return and try the BBQ egg rolls!
Yelp Review
Over on Yelp, Michael Y from nearby Columbia also commented on the diversity and quality of the food at Smoke ‘Em:
Smoke Ems BBQ offers an exceptional dining experience with delicious food and outstanding service.
Their pulled pork egg rolls, Nashville hot tacos, smoked wings, brisket, and tuna wontons are all incredibly flavorful. The tuna wontons, a delightful surprise, feature perfectly cooked seared tuna with crispy wonton wrappers.
The staff is attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
Smoke Ems BBQ is a must-visit for barbecue enthusiasts and food lovers, showcasing their culinary skill and creativity through their diverse menu.
Menu for Smoke ‘Em Barbecue Joint
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
Location, Hours, Contact Info, and More
Map
Directions
Contact Smoke ‘Em Barbecue Joint
Saint Matthews, SC 29135
Hours of Operation
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | |
| Wednesday | |
| Thursday | |
| Friday | |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Social Media
Review Sites
Features
Cards and Cash, Hash, Heavy Tomato Sauce, Mustard Sauce, Vinegar Pepper Sauce