Southern Smoke BBQ began as a food truck and has since set down roots in Pelzer, SC.
With the motto, “What sauce? You don’t need it! Try it!!” you know they trust their flavor. Getting that smoke flavor from hickory, Southern Smoke BBQ offers great taste and a wide menu.
Pork, chicken, brisket, ribs, burgers, and chicken fingers top the list. Sides include classics like mac & cheese and slaw, but also include Brunswick stew and a true SC BBQ original, hash.
(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 Clemson or Anderson.)
Google’s Local Guide Jamye Saunders tried and enjoyed it all according to this Google Review:
Cozy, rustic building. Large tables and benches for large parties. We tried almost everything on the menu: chicken tenders, cheeseburger, fries, Brunswick stew, pepper jack mac and cheese, sweet potato crunch, fried okra, brisket, pork, sweet potato fries, and coleslaw. Each item was delicious. Sweet tea was perfect! Excellent food and service! Will be returning.
Over on TripAdvisor, self-professed “BBQ Nut” reviewer by the name of “Briansfood” titled his review of Southern Smoke BBQ “Incredible Ribs!!!!”
I am a BBQ nut, and I smoke my own pork at home and lived in Memphis. I eat BBQ wherever I travel. This little place on the side of the road has some of the best ribs I’ve EVER eaten. (Top 3, along with Corky’s and Mutt’s)
Their mustard sauce is good, but their red sauce was a little spicy for my taste. I used a little Sweet Baby Ray’s from home.
I would suggest to the owner to follow the lead of the best pulled pork at a restaurant in town -Bucky’s (mine is even better) and don’t pull it till you serve it. Keeps the juices locked in so it doesn’t dry out in the heating pan. Also, make a sweeter, milder sauce to choose from.
Watch this guy pull your ribs right out of the smoker.
$11 1/2 rack, $21 full rack, make it a plate (beans and slaw-good ones too, for $2 more, canned sodas for $1 more).
Definitely worth driving to and trying Southern Smoke BBQ.
Note: Menu prices and options are subject to change over time. Contact the restaurant for the most up-to-date information.
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Cards and Cash, Hash, Heavy Tomato Sauce, Light Tomato Sauce, Mustard Sauce
What I liked most about the cookbook was the bbq sauces – this took a lot of hard work. It’s worth the money. Buy the cookbook, you won’t find one any better. I have tried a couple of the sauces – they were real good!
SC's most flavorful secrets revealed: 2025 SC BBQ Survey results are in!
