West Columbia, South Carolina, September 18, 2025
News Summary
City Limits Barbecue in West Columbia, South Carolina, has been named the best barbecue joint in the South by Southern Living Magazine, ranking No. 1 in their Top 50 BBQ Joints for 2025. Known for its unique fusion of Texas-style brisket and Carolina-style pulled pork, this restaurant has earned accolades for its quality and innovative culinary approach. The recognition highlights not only City Limits but also showcases other notable South Carolina barbecue spots in the list, reflecting the state’s rich barbecue heritage.
West Columbia, South Carolina is the proud home of City Limits Barbecue, which has recently been named as the best barbecue joint in the South by Southern Living Magazine. The esteemed ranking was revealed in a list published on September 17, 2025, where City Limits Barbecue was ranked No. 1 on the Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South for 2025, compiled by Robert F. Moss, a contributing barbecue editor for Southern Living.
This achievement marks a significant accomplishment for City Limits, which operates at 1119 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia. The 2025 list is particularly noteworthy as it is the first release of Southern Living’s Top 50 BBQ Joints since 2023. In total, eleven South Carolina barbecue spots made the list this year, an increase from the eight listed in 2023.
City Limits was specifically praised for its innovative culinary approach, merging Texas-style brisket with Carolina-style pulled pork. The restaurant’s owner and pitmaster, Robbie Robinson, was commended for his meticulous attention to detail. The establishment has garnered a reputation for its “obsessive passion and meticulous pursuit of quality” as stated in the magazine’s review.
City Limits operates on a weekend-only counter-service model where it embraces Texas-style barbecue offerings on Saturdays. On the first Sunday of each month, they feature South Carolina-style whole hog. Highlights from the menu include tender brisket, beef ribs, house-made sausages, and pit-smoked hot dogs made from fresh-ground brisket. Additional notable options are pork shoulders cooked burn-barrel style, brisket corndogs, char siu pork belly burnt ends, and various savory side dishes.
This barbecue joint is part of a unique complex known as “Smoky Hollow,” which features a second-story eating porch and a diverse food setup. Their signature Saturday spareribs are particularly renowned for being cooked directly over hardwood coals, creating a distinctive smoky flavor and texture. The restaurant is celebrated for blending traditional barbecue techniques with contemporary culinary innovations.
City Limits’ reputation extends beyond this recent accolade. It has previously been a finalist for James Beard Foundation Awards and was recognized by the New York Times as one of the 50 best restaurants in America for 2024. In addition to City Limits, Hite’s Bar-B-Que in West Columbia earned a place on the Southern Living list, ranking No. 22.
Other South Carolina establishments featured on the 2025 Top 50 list include:
- Lewis Barbecue, No. 7, Charleston
- Scott’s Bar-B-Que, No. 12, Hemingway
- Palmira Barbecue, No. 16, Charleston
- McCabe’s Bar-B-Q, No. 33, Manning
- Home Team BBQ, No. 34, Charleston; also in Columbia
- Elliott’s BBQ Lounge, No. 36, Florence
- Melvins BBQ, No. 39, Mt. Pleasant
- Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, No. 41, Charleston
- King BBQ, No. 44, Charleston
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is City Limits Barbecue known for?
- City Limits Barbecue is known for merging Texas-style brisket with Carolina-style pulled pork.
- Where is City Limits Barbecue located?
- City Limits Barbecue is located at 1119 Methodist Park Road in West Columbia, South Carolina.
- What ranking did City Limits Barbecue achieve in the Southern Living list?
- City Limits Barbecue was ranked No. 1 on Southern Living’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South for 2025.
- How often does City Limits Barbecue operate?
- City Limits Barbecue operates as a weekend-only counter-service establishment.
- What kind of menu offerings does City Limits provide?
- City Limits offers items like brisket, beef ribs, house-made sausages, and various innovative barbecue dishes.
- Has City Limits Barbecue received any notable recognition?
- Yes, City Limits Barbecue has been recognized as a finalist for James Beard Foundation Awards and was listed among the New York Times’ 50 best restaurants in America for 2024.
City Limits Barbecue Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1119 Methodist Park Road, West Columbia, South Carolina |
| Ranking | No. 1 on Southern Living’s Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South for 2025 |
| Operation | Weekend-only counter-service |
| Menu Highlights | Brisket, beef ribs, house-made sausages, pork shoulders, and more |
| Awards | Finalist for James Beard Foundation Awards, NY Times’ 50 best restaurants in America for 2024 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
City Limits Barbeque Finalist at James Beard Awards
West Columbia Chef Robbie Robinson Nominated for James Beard Award
West Columbia Chef Recognized as James Beard Award Finalist
West Columbia BBQ Hotshot Finalist for Chef Award
City Limits Barbeque Named One of America’s Best Restaurants
City Limits Barbeque Shines on National Restaurant List
Chef Robbie Robinson Named James Beard Awards Semifinalist Again
West Columbia Chef Nominated for James Beard Award
Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Top BBQ Joint 2025
- KVUE: Central Texas BBQ in Southern Living
- Houston Chronicle: Southern Living Top BBQ South
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Google Search: City Limits Barbecue
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