West Columbia, South Carolina, September 19, 2025
News Summary
West Columbia, South Carolina, has been recognized for having the best barbecue restaurant in the South, City Limits Barbecue. Owned by Robbie Robinson, the restaurant took the top spot in Southern Living’s list of the 50 best barbecue establishments. Known for its unique Carolina and Texas-style barbecue, City Limits Barbecue operates only on weekends, serving meticulously crafted dishes made from scratch. The restaurant’s attention to quality and flavor has garnered significant praise, establishing South Carolina as a premier barbecue destination.
West Columbia, South Carolina has gained national recognition as the home of the best barbecue restaurant in the South, according to a recent list released by Southern Living. City Limits Barbecue, owned by Robbie Robinson, takes the coveted number one spot on the list of 50 best barbecue establishments in the region.
City Limits Barbecue has a humble beginning as a food truck, operating for seven years before transitioning to a permanent location in 2023. Known for its unique blend of Carolina and Texas-style barbecue, the restaurant offers a range of meticulously crafted dishes, with all sides prepared from scratch. Despite the acclaim, City Limits operates just nine hours per week, only on Saturdays and Sundays.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality has led to praise from Southern Living’s contributing barbecue editor, Robert F. Moss, who noted the restaurant’s “obsessive passion and meticulous pursuit of quality.” Menu highlights include brisket, pork shoulders, and pork belly burnt ends, which received top honors from Moss for their exceptional taste.
City Limits is located in a venue known as “Smoky Hollow”, which features various dining areas, enhancing the overall customer experience. The brisket, in particular, is noted for its deep red smoke ring and impressive flavor, while the ribs are meticulously cooked over hardwood coals, both of which contribute to the restaurant’s reputation.
In addition to City Limits, South Carolina boasts several other establishments that made it onto the Southern Living list. Lewis Barbecue in Charleston took the seventh spot, well-known for its sliced brisket and house-made green chile cheddar sausage. Scott’s Bar-B-Que, located in Hemingway, South Carolina, secured the 12th position, famous for its whole hogs slow-roasted over a burn barrel.
All in all, South Carolina had 11 restaurants recognized on Southern Living’s top 50 list, demonstrating the state’s strong barbecue culture. Additional noteworthy restaurants include Palmira BBQ at 16th place, Hite’s Bar-B-Que at 22nd, and McCabe’s Bar-B-Q at 33rd.
The ranking is based on a qualitative assessment considering the enjoyment of the meal and overall dining experience, with Moss personally dining at each restaurant to evaluate quality. Notably, City Limits previously ranked fourth in Southern Living’s list of new barbecue joints in 2024.
Robbie Robinson expressed amazement at his restaurant’s top ranking, emphasizing the dedication and talent of his staff. This prestigious recognition not only highlights City Limits’ culinary excellence but also bolsters South Carolina’s reputation as a premier barbecue destination. Many see it as a potential catalyst for local economic growth as well.
FAQ
What makes City Limits Barbecue unique?
City Limits Barbecue stands out for its combination of Carolina and Texas-style barbecue, with all menu items made from scratch. The restaurant is known for its meticulous quality and unique flavors, specifically its award-winning brisket and pork belly burnt ends.
How many hours does City Limits Barbecue operate?
City Limits Barbecue operates for a total of nine hours each week, specifically open only on Saturdays and Sundays.
How did City Limits Barbecue rank in Southern Living?
City Limits Barbecue received the number one ranking in Southern Living’s list of the 50 best barbecue restaurants in the South.
What other South Carolina restaurants were recognized in the top 50 list?
Other South Carolina restaurants recognized in Southern Living’s top 50 list include Lewis Barbecue, Scott’s Bar-B-Que, Palmira BBQ, Hite’s Bar-B-Que, and several others representing the state’s rich barbecue tradition.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Ranking | First place in Southern Living’s top 50 barbecue restaurants |
| Location | West Columbia, South Carolina |
| Operating Hours | Saturdays and Sundays, nine hours per week |
| Menu Highlights | Brisket, pork shoulders, pork belly burnt ends |
| Recognition | Praised for quality and commitment to traditional barbecue |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
City Limits Barbecue Crowned Best BBQ Joint in the South
Cleanup Nears Completion at Maurice’s Piggie Park
Smoke It Up Express Joins Gather COLA Food Hall in Columbia
Black Eats Week Celebrates Black-Owned Restaurants in Columbia
City Limits Barbeque Finalist at James Beard Awards
Columbia Food and Wine Festival Set to Delight Visitors
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
Additional Resources
- Southern Living: Top BBQ Joint 2025
- Post and Courier: West Columbia SC Ranked Best Barbecue
- Charleston City Paper: Lowcountry May Have South’s Best Barbecue
- KVUE: Central Texas BBQ Southern Living Magazine 2025
- WLTX: West Columbia Restaurant Crew Heads to Chicago for James Beard Awards
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google Search: Best BBQ in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Barbecue in South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina Barbecue
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