West Columbia, September 24, 2025
News Summary
City Limits Barbecue in West Columbia has earned the title of the best barbecue restaurant in South Carolina, according to Southern Living’s newly published list. This annual ranking highlights the top 50 barbecue joints in the South, with 11 establishments from South Carolina making the cut. Open only on weekends, City Limits Barbecue is renowned for its delicious Texas-style dishes and its famous Saturday spareribs. The list showcases the state’s vibrant BBQ scene, with Charleston hosting several notable restaurants.
West Columbia, South Carolina, is making headlines as City Limits Barbecue has been named the best barbecue restaurant in South Carolina according to a newly published list by Southern Living. This prestigious recognition is part of a larger compilation that ranks the Top 50 Barbecue Restaurants in the South, where 11 restaurants from South Carolina made the cut.
City Limits Barbecue operates solely on weekends, opening on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors can indulge in a variety of offerings, from Texas-leaning barbecue dishes to traditional South Carolinian flavors. The restaurant is particularly known for its Saturday spareribs, which are cooked over hardwood coals, adding a distinctive flavor to the meats served.
Following City Limits, the list featured several other notable barbecue spots across South Carolina, with Charleston emerging as a hotspot that includes six of the state’s top barbecue restaurants. Among these, King BBQ and Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ are recognized as popular choices. Lewis Barbecue, which provides seven-day service until 10 p.m., is also located in Charleston and ranks seventh on the list.
Other South Carolina restaurants that made the top 50 include Elliott’s BBQ Lounge in Florence, McCabe’s Bar-B-Q in Manning, Hite’s Bar-B-Q in West Columbia, ranked 22nd, and Scott’s Bar-B-Que in Hemingway, which is ranked 12th. The rankings signify a vibrant culinary scene in the state that both celebrates traditional methods and embraces innovative barbecue techniques.
The Southern Living rankings consider several factors to determine the quality of barbecue, including the overall dining experience, the quality of meats and side dishes, the ambiance, and the unique touches that set these establishments apart from the competition. This year’s update is the first since 2023, reflecting the dynamic changes occurring within the barbecue landscape of South Carolina.
Texas remains at the forefront of the barbecue scene with 17 barbecue joints in the top 50, while South Carolina, with its impressive total of 11, follows closely behind. These numbers are indicative of the population differences between the two states, as Texas has significantly more residents compared to South Carolina. Nevertheless, the accolades that South Carolina’s barbecue establishments have received highlight the state’s commitment to culinary excellence and its rich barbecue heritage.
Key Features of Top Barbecue Restaurants in South Carolina
- City Limits Barbecue (West Columbia) – Best BBQ in South Carolina; operates weekends only.
- Lewis Barbecue (Charleston) – Ranked 7th; open daily until 10 p.m.
- Charleston Restaurants – Six total in the top 50, including King BBQ and Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ.
- Other Notable Restaurants – Elliott’s BBQ Lounge, McCabe’s Bar-B-Q, Hite’s Bar-B-Q, Scott’s Bar-B-Que.
FAQ
Which restaurant was named the best BBQ in South Carolina?
City Limits Barbecue in West Columbia ranked as the best BBQ joint in the South.
How many South Carolina restaurants made the Top 50 list?
11 restaurants from South Carolina made the list.
What is the operating schedule for City Limits Barbecue?
City Limits Barbecue operates only on weekends: Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
What notable dishes can be found at City Limits Barbecue?
City Limits BBQ is noted for its Saturday spareribs, which are cooked over hardwood coals.
Chart of Important Information
| Restaurant Name | Location | Ranking | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| City Limits Barbecue | West Columbia | 1 | Sat 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
| Lewis Barbecue | Charleston | 7 | Daily until 10 p.m. |
| Scott’s Bar-B-Que | Hemingway | 12 | Varies |
| Hite’s Bar-B-Q | West Columbia | 22 | Varies |
| King BBQ | Charleston | N/A | Varies |
| Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ | Charleston | N/A | Varies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Brings Fall Cultural Events to Life
City Limits Named Best BBQ Joint in Southern Living’s Top 50 List
South Carolina Barbecue Restaurants Shine in Southern Living Rankings
Charleston’s Top Spots to Watch Football This Season
Food & Wine Classic Returns to Charleston
BBQ & Boats Sunset Cruise Launches in Charleston
New Culinary Openings Revitalize Charleston’s Restaurant Scene
North Charleston’s Culinary Scene Flourishes with New Eateries and Local Favorites
Charleston Hosts a Variety of Summer Events and Activities
Charleston, South Carolina Welcomes Timber Pizza Co.
Additional Resources
- Greenville Online – Southern Living Best BBQ
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Count On 2 – SC’s Top BBQ Spots
- Google Search: Barbecue Restaurants in South Carolina
- Charleston City Paper – Lowcountry BBQ
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Southern Cuisine
- USA Today – Lewis Barbecue
- Google News: South Carolina Barbecue
- WOWK TV – BBQ Joint Reopens in Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
