Best Columbia SC BBQ: Top Spots to Satisfy Your Cravings

If you’re a lover of barbecue, then you’re in the right place. Columbia, South Carolina has some of the best BBQ joints in the country. The city is known for its rich history and culture, and it’s no surprise that it has a unique style of barbecue that sets it apart from the rest.

Shot in the dark – I bet you like beer. The breweries in Columbia are some of the best in the state! Chewck some of them out while you’re there!

In this article, we’ll take a look at the top-rated BBQ joints in Columbia, SC, and highlight some of their menu items that you don’t want to miss. We’ll also delve into the different styles of barbecue that you can find in the city and explore the culture that surrounds it. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this guide will help you navigate the world of Columbia BBQ and find your new favorite spot.

Key Takeaways

• Columbia, SC has some of the best BBQ joints in the country with a unique style of barbecue that sets it apart from the rest.
• Top-rated BBQ joints in Columbia include Midwood Smokehouse, Little Pigs, and True BBQ.
• Columbia BBQ culture is rich in history and tradition, with unique styles and flavors that reflect the city’s southern roots.

Top Rated BBQ Joints

Columbia, South Carolina, is known for its delicious BBQ, and there are many great BBQ joints to choose from. Here are some of the top-rated BBQ restaurants in Columbia:

Restaurant	Description
Midwood Smokehouse	This restaurant is known for its delicious BBQ and has a great atmosphere. The menu includes a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.
Little Pigs	Little Pigs is a classic BBQ joint that offers a wide variety of BBQ dishes. The restaurant is known for its delicious pulled pork and ribs.
Palmetto Pig	Palmetto Pig is a family-owned BBQ restaurant that has been serving delicious BBQ for over 20 years. The restaurant is known for its delicious pulled pork and BBQ sauce.
Home Team BBQ	Home Team BBQ is a popular BBQ joint that offers a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beers.
True BBQ	True BBQ is a popular BBQ joint that offers a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. The restaurant is known for its delicious BBQ sauce.
Big Boys Original Smokehouse	Big Boys Original Smokehouse is a classic BBQ joint that offers a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. The restaurant is known for its delicious BBQ sauce.
City Limits Barbeque	City Limits Barbeque is a popular BBQ joint that offers a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. The restaurant is known for its delicious BBQ sauce.
Big T’s Bar-B-Que	Big T’s Bar-B-Que is a classic BBQ joint that offers a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs. The restaurant is known for its delicious BBQ sauce.

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, these top-rated BBQ restaurants in Columbia are sure to satisfy your craving for delicious BBQ.

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BBQ Menu Highlights

When it comes to BBQ, Columbia, SC has a lot to offer. From pulled pork to ribs, chicken, and beef, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the BBQ menu highlights you can find in Columbia, SC.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a staple of Southern BBQ, and you’ll find it on the menu at most BBQ joints in Columbia. Whether you prefer it smoky and tender or tangy and saucy, you won’t be disappointed. Some of the best pulled pork in Columbia can be found at Little Pigs. They offer a bountiful BBQ buffet with a variety of meats, sides, and sauces.

Ribs

Ribs are another BBQ classic, and there are plenty of places in Columbia to get your fix. Midwood Smokehouse is a popular spot for ribs, with a variety of options to choose from. Their baby back ribs are a standout, with a sweet and smoky flavor that will have you licking your fingers.

Barbecue Sandwiches

If you’re in the mood for a sandwich, you can’t go wrong with a BBQ sandwich. True BBQ has some of the best BBQ sandwiches in Columbia, with a variety of meats and toppings to choose from. Their Basic BBQ Pork Sandwich is a fan favorite, with tender pulled pork and a tangy BBQ sauce.

Chicken Wings

Full disclosure: I will eat wings any time, any day, after any meal. Check out my guide to the best wings in Columbia if you want more wings!

Chicken wings may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BBQ, but they are a delicious and popular menu item at many BBQ joints in Columbia.

The War Mouth is known for their smoked chicken wings, which are seasoned with a blend of spices and served with a side of Alabama white sauce. It’s also a great place for date night in downtown Columbia.

Tacos

Tacos may not be a traditional BBQ item, but they are a popular menu item at some of Columbia’s best BBQ joints. Home Team BBQ is a great spot for BBQ tacos, with options like smoked brisket and pulled pork. They also offer a variety of toppings and sauces to customize your tacos to your liking.

If tacos are your thing (aren’t they everyone’s?), then you’re in for a treat. There are tons of great taco restaurants in Columbia to choose from!

When it comes to BBQ in Columbia, SC, there are plenty of menu highlights to choose from. Whether you’re in the mood for pulled pork, ribs, sandwiches, chicken wings, or tacos, you’re sure to find something delicious at one of Columbia’s many BBQ joints.

Signature Sides and Desserts

No BBQ meal is complete without some delicious sides and desserts to complement the main dishes. Here are some signature sides and desserts that you should definitely try when visiting the best BBQ spots in Columbia, SC.

Sides

• Mac and Cheese: A classic side dish that goes well with any BBQ meat. Some of the best BBQ restaurants in Columbia, such as Home Team BBQ and Midwood Smokehouse, offer creamy and cheesy mac and cheese as one of their signature sides.
  
• Baked Beans: Another classic side dish that pairs well with BBQ. Maurice’s Piggie Park offers their signature “Carolina Hash Over Rice” which is a unique blend of hash and baked beans served over rice.
  
• Tomato Pie: A Southern specialty that is a must-try when visiting Columbia. Little Pigs serves their signature tomato pie made with fresh tomatoes, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese baked in a flaky crust.
  

Desserts

• Banana Pudding: A classic Southern dessert that is a perfect way to end a BBQ meal. Doc’s BBQ serves their signature banana pudding made with vanilla wafers, fresh bananas, and a creamy custard.
  
• Sweet Potatoe Pie: A rich and decadent dessert that is a perfect indulgence after a BBQ feast. Big Boys Original Smokehouse offers their signature sweet potato pie made with fresh sweet potatoes and just the right amount of sweetness.

If you REALLY want to indulge your sweet tooth after your BBQ meal, check out my guide to the best places to get dessert in Columbia.

Understanding BBQ Sauces

When it comes to BBQ, the sauce is just as important as the meat. In Columbia, SC, there are a variety of BBQ sauces to choose from, each with its own unique flavor profile. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of BBQ sauces you’ll find in Columbia.

Mustard-Based Sauce

One of the most popular BBQ sauces in Columbia is the mustard-based sauce. This sauce is made with a base of yellow mustard, vinegar, and spices. It has a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with pork. If you’re a fan of tangy BBQ sauces, you’ll definitely want to give this one a try.

Tomato-Based Sauce

Tomato-based BBQ sauces are also popular in Columbia. These sauces are made with a base of ketchup or tomato paste, vinegar, and spices. They have a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs well with beef and chicken. If you prefer sweeter BBQ sauces, this is the sauce for you.

Vinegar-Based Sauce

Vinegar-based BBQ sauces are a staple in South Carolina. These sauces are made with a base of vinegar, peppers, and spices. They have a tangy, spicy flavor that pairs well with pork. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you’ll definitely want to give this sauce a try.

Unique BBQ Styles

When it comes to BBQ, there are many different styles and techniques that can be used to create unique and delicious dishes. Here are a few of the most popular styles of BBQ that you can find in Columbia, SC:

Southern Buffet

One of the most unique styles of BBQ that you can find in Columbia is the Southern buffet. This style of BBQ typically features a wide variety of dishes, including pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and more. The buffet-style setup allows you to try a little bit of everything, making it a great option if you’re looking to sample a variety of different BBQ dishes.

Pulled Pork

Pulled pork is a classic BBQ dish that is popular in Columbia and throughout the South. This dish is made by slow-cooking pork shoulder until it is tender and can be easily pulled apart with a fork. The pork is then typically mixed with a BBQ sauce and served on a bun.

Railroad BBQ

Railroad BBQ is a popular BBQ joint in Columbia that is known for its unique style of BBQ. The restaurant features a train-themed decor, and the menu includes a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, including mac and cheese, collard greens, and baked beans.

BBQ Joint

If you’re looking for a classic BBQ joint experience, there are plenty of options to choose from in Columbia. These restaurants typically feature a casual atmosphere and a menu that includes a variety of BBQ dishes, such as pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. Many of these restaurants also offer a variety of sides, including coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans.

BBQ Buffet

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for BBQ, a BBQ buffet can be a great choice. These restaurants typically offer a variety of BBQ dishes, as well as a selection of sides, for a set price. This can be a great option if you’re looking to try a variety of different dishes without breaking the bank.

BBQ Culture in Columbia

If you’re looking for a city that takes its BBQ seriously, then Columbia, SC is the place to be. BBQ is an essential part of the city’s culture, and there are plenty of restaurants that serve up delicious, slow-cooked meats. Here are some things you should know about BBQ culture in Columbia.

Hickory and Oak

One of the things that sets Columbia’s BBQ apart from other cities is the use of hickory and oak wood to smoke the meat. This combination of woods gives the meat a unique flavor that you won’t find anywhere else. Most BBQ joints in Columbia use this combination, and it’s a tradition that has been passed down for generations.

Hospitality

Hospitality is a big part of Columbia’s BBQ culture. Many of the BBQ joints in the city are family-owned and operated, and they take pride in serving their customers. You’ll often find that the owners are the ones cooking the meat, and they’re happy to chat with you about their techniques and recipes.

Five Points

Five Points is a neighborhood in Columbia that is known for its BBQ. There are several BBQ restaurants in the area, and they all have their own unique styles. Whether you’re in the mood for ribs, pulled pork, or brisket, you’ll find it in Five Points.

Chapin and Batesburg-Leesville

If you’re willing to venture outside of Columbia, a couple of towns are worth checking out for their BBQ.

Chapin and Batesburg-Leesville are located just outside the city, and they have some of the best BBQ in the area. Both towns have a small-town feel, and the BBQ joints there are known for their friendly service and delicious food.

Charlotte

While Charlotte is technically in North Carolina, it’s close enough to Columbia that it’s worth mentioning.

Charlotte has a thriving BBQ scene, and there are plenty of restaurants that serve up delicious meats. If you’re in the mood for BBQ and you’re willing to make the drive, Charlotte is definitely worth checking out.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Columbia, South Carolina stands as a beacon for barbecue enthusiasts. With its rich tapestry of flavors, from the tangy vinegar-pepper sauce to the smoky aroma of hickory wood, the city offers a BBQ experience that’s hard to match.

Establishments like Little Pigs and Midwood Smokehouse have become institutions, serving up classics like beef brisket and pulled pork, complemented by sides like mac n cheese, collards, and fried okra.

And let’s not forget the weekend vibes, with many flocking to these joints on Fridays, Saturdays, and even Sundays, making it a true weekend affair.

Whether you’re a fan of the traditional pork chops or the Southern staple of fried catfish, there’s something in Columbia for every palate.

So, next time you’re in town, whether it’s a Thursday or a Saturday, make sure to indulge in the city’s barbecue culture, and perhaps pair it with a visit to one of its renowned breweries.

After all, there’s nothing like a cold brew to wash down that delicious macaroni or green beans. Cheers to Columbia’s unmatched BBQ scene!

Frequently Asked Questions