West Columbia, September 26, 2025
News Summary
Southern Living magazine has unveiled its Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South, with South Carolina showcasing its barbecue prowess with 11 entries, including the top spot held by City Limits Barbecue in West Columbia. Known for its exceptional offerings like brisket and whole hog BBQ, the restaurant exemplifies quality dining. Other notable mentions include Lewis Barbecue in Charleston and several other acclaimed spots throughout the state, reflecting South Carolina’s rich and evolving barbecue culture that delights both locals and visitors.
West Columbia, South Carolina – Southern Living magazine has released its highly anticipated list of the Top 50 BBQ Joints in the South, with South Carolina dominating the rankings. The state boasts 11 entries, highlighting its reputation for exceptional barbecue cuisine. Topping the list is City Limits Barbecue, a weekend-only eatery located in West Columbia, celebrated for its outstanding offerings.
City Limits Barbecue has secured the #1 position overall, thanks to its acclaimed menu featuring high-quality brisket, beef ribs, house-made sausages, and pit-smoked hot dogs. Recently, the restaurant expanded its offerings to include whole hog barbecue once a month, further enhancing its appeal among BBQ enthusiasts. The establishment operates on weekends, open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., creating an intimate dining experience that has earned it the description of a “barbecue oasis,” reflecting its focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
Following closely is Lewis Barbecue in Charleston, which ranks #2 on the list. Known for its sumptuous Texas-style brisket and house-made sausages, Lewis Barbecue operates seven days a week and offers various daily specials, including smoked prime rib and beef ‘n cheddar sandwiches, making it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.
In addition to City Limits and Lewis Barbecue, several other notable South Carolina BBQ joints made the list, showcasing the state’s diverse barbecue scene. Highlights include:
- #44: King BBQ, Charleston – Famed for its unique blend of Chinatown BBQ and Southern smoke.
- #41: Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ, Charleston – A notable fixture on King Street that has expanded to other cities including Birmingham, Atlanta, and Nashville.
- #39: Melvin’s BBQ, Mount Pleasant – Known for its mustard-based barbecue sauce and the popular Little Joe sandwich.
- #36: Elliott’s BBQ Lounge, Florence – Recognized for its Pee Dee-style chopped whole hog.
- #34: Home Team BBQ, Charleston – Offering upscale traditional barbecue cuisine.
- #33: McCabe’s Bar-B-Q, Manning – Noted for outstanding southern staples and a cash-only policy.
- #22: Hite’s Bar-B-Que, West Columbia – A legacy establishment renowned for whole hogs and smoked ribs.
- #16: Palmira Barbecue, just outside Charleston – Praised for its blend of Carolina and Texas styles.
- #12: Scott’s Bar-B-Que, Hemingway – Revered for its distinct whole hog cooking method utilizing barrels and cinderblock pits.
The selection of BBQ joints on this esteemed list reflects Southern Living’s emphasis on the overall experience, quality of meats, and restaurant ambiance, allowing both established favorites and rising newcomers to receive recognition for their culinary achievements. South Carolina’s ranking stands out with a total of 17 restaurants in the Carolinas, with 11 from South Carolina and six from North Carolina. The highest-ranked BBQ restaurant from North Carolina is Skylight Inn BBQ, which took the sixth overall spot.
Conclusion
The release of Southern Living’s Top 50 BBQ Joints highlights the rich and evolving barbecue culture in the South, underscoring both the tradition and innovation found in barbecue cooking. As fans seek out authentic BBQ experiences, South Carolina continues to solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in the barbecue landscape.
FAQs
What is the number one BBQ joint in South Carolina according to Southern Living?
The number one BBQ joint in South Carolina is City Limits Barbecue, located in West Columbia.
How many BBQ joints from South Carolina made it to the Top 50 list?
South Carolina has 11 entries in the Top 50 BBQ Joints list released by Southern Living.
What types of barbecue does City Limits Barbecue offer?
City Limits Barbecue is known for brisket, beef ribs, house-made sausages, pit-smoked hot dogs, and has recently added whole hog barbecue to its monthly menu.
Key Features of South Carolina’s Top BBQ Joints
| Rank | Restaurant | Location | Notable Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | City Limits Barbecue | West Columbia | Brisket, beef ribs, house-made sausages, whole hog BBQ once a month |
| 2 | Lewis Barbecue | Charleston | Texas-style brisket, daily specials |
| 44 | King BBQ | Charleston | Chinatown BBQ blend |
| 41 | Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ | Charleston | Whole hog BBQ |
| 39 | Melvin’s BBQ | Mount Pleasant | Mustard-based sauce, Little Joe sandwich |
| 36 | Elliott’s BBQ Lounge | Florence | Pee Dee-style chopped whole hog |
| 34 | Home Team BBQ | Charleston | Upscale traditional BBQ |
| 22 | Hite’s Bar-B-Que | West Columbia | Whole hogs, smoked ribs |
| 16 | Palmira Barbecue | Outside Charleston | Carolina and Texas styles |
| 12 | Scott’s Bar-B-Que | Hemingway | Whole hog cooking method using barrels |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
City Limits Barbecue Named Best in the South
City Limits Barbecue Crowned Best BBQ Joint in the South
New Apartment Complex Approved in Columbia
Columbia, SC, Prepares for Major Developments
Columbia, SC Welcomes Second Trader Joe’s Location
Columbia, SC, Experiences Growth with New Developments
Cayce Hosts Looka That Festival This Summer
Columbia’s Food Truck Fridays Showcase Local Cuisine
City Limits Barbeque Finalist at James Beard Awards
Weekend Events in Columbia, S.C.
Additional Resources
- WLTX News
- Greenville Online
- WBTV News
- Southern Living
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Barbecue
- Google Search: best BBQ in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Barbecue in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
- Google News: South Carolina BBQ
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
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