Charleston, South Carolina, September 18, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina’s culinary scene is on the rise as 11 barbecue restaurants from the state are featured in Southern Living magazine’s list of the 50 Top BBQ Joints in the South. The recognition highlights the state’s unique barbecue flavors and cooking techniques, particularly from the Lowcountry region. With notable mentions like Lewis Barbecue and Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, South Carolina’s barbecue culture shines amidst fierce competition.
Charleston, South Carolina – South Carolina has earned a prestigious spot in the culinary spotlight, with 11 of its barbecue restaurants named among the top eateries in Southern Living magazine’s new list of 50 Top BBQ Joints in the South. This significant recognition highlights the state’s vibrant barbecue scene, celebrated for its unique flavors and cooking techniques.
While Texas leads the list with 17 restaurants included, it boasts a population six times greater than South Carolina, making the Palmetto State’s representation a noteworthy achievement. The southern region known as the Lowcountry stands out, with seven of the top 50 BBQ places located there.
The list, compiled by Robert Moss, the contributing barbecue editor for Southern Living and former food writer, includes notable South Carolina establishments such as:
- Lewis Barbecue, Charleston (#7)
- Scott’s Bar-B-Que, Hemingway (#12)
- Palmira BBQ, West Ashley (#16)
- Home Team BBQ, several locations (#34)
- Melvin’s BBQ, Mount Pleasant and James Island (#39)
- Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Charleston (#41)
- King BBQ, North Charleston (#44)
Among these, Lewis Barbecue stands out as it was awarded the title of best BBQ joint in South Carolina by Southern Living readers in March 2025. Moss commended this establishment for its thick-sliced brisket, which he notes is comparable to Texas-style barbecue.
Rodney Scott’s BBQ is renowned for its whole hog barbecue and tender pulled chicken, employing a traditional method of smoking whole hogs for 12 hours. Meanwhile, Palmira BBQ differentiates itself with a blend of Carolina and Texas styles infused with Puerto Rican flavors.
Leading the list of BBQ joints in the South is City Limits Barbecue in Columbia, South Carolina. Other esteemed mentions include Hite’s Bar-B-Que in West Columbia (#22), McCabe’s Bar-B-Q in Manning (#33), and Elliott’s BBQ Lounge in Florence (#36).
Moss’s selection criteria focused on the overall dining experience, meat quality, side dishes, and the restaurant ambiance. He highlighted a shift in Southern barbecue trends, marking the rise of innovative cooking techniques and fusion styles, while still paying homage to traditional practices.
The variety in barbecued offerings showcases the diversity across the Southern region, including creative items such as brisket corndogs and Cantonese-style char siu pork belly burnt ends.
Background on BBQ Culture in South Carolina
Barbecue is a deeply embedded aspect of Southern culture, with each region showcasing its unique styles and flavors. South Carolina’s barbecue tradition is particularly distinguished by its land-and-sea blend and the variety of sauces, particularly the mustard-based sauce popularized in the area.
As barbecue continues to evolve, it reflects not only the culinary preferences of the local community but also the broader trends occurring in the national barbecue landscape.
Key Features of South Carolina Barbecue Restaurants
With its rich barbecue heritage and a growing number of award-winning establishments, South Carolina’s barbecue scene is thriving. The array of flavors and techniques offers a taste of tradition intertwined with modern innovation, making it a must-visit destination for barbecue lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many BBQ restaurants in South Carolina made it to Southern Living’s Top BBQ Joints in the South list?
South Carolina boasts 11 of the top barbecue restaurants in Southern Living magazine’s new list of 50 Top BBQ Joints in the South.
Which state had the most BBQ establishments on the list?
Texas leads with 17 out of 50 barbecue eateries, despite having six times as many residents as South Carolina.
What were some of the notable BBQ restaurants in South Carolina?
Notable restaurants in the local list include Lewis Barbecue, Scott’s Bar-B-Que, Palmira BBQ, Home Team BBQ, Melvin’s BBQ, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, and King BBQ.
Which BBQ joint was awarded the title of best BBQ in South Carolina by Southern Living readers?
Lewis Barbecue was awarded the title of best BBQ joint in South Carolina by Southern Living readers in March 2025.
What is the top BBQ joint in the South according to the list?
The top BBQ joint in the South, as per the list, is City Limits Barbecue in Columbia.
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Additional Resources
- Charleston City Paper
- Southern Living
- Post and Courier
- WOWK TV
- CHS Today
- Wikipedia: BBQ
- Google Search: barbecue culture in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: South Carolina Barbecue traditions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google News: South Carolina barbecue
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.
