Some Of The Best BBQ In South Carolina Comes From A Small Town Gas Station, Cooper’s Country Store

The best BBQ in America can be found in South Carolina and if you've never tried our signature mustard and vinegar-based BBQ then there are plenty of places to find it. However; this is not one of them. But at this country store and gas station that's more than 80 years old and located seemingly in the middle of nowhere, you'll discover the best vinegar (only) based BBQ in the Palmetto State! Believe us, you won't want to miss out on this gas station BBQ in South Carolina.

Cooper's Country Store, located in Salters, got its start back in 1937 — the same year Highway 521 opened.

It opened as an Esso gas station in a two-story building with the owner and his family living upstairs.

In 1973, the owner died and the store was purchased by George Cooper, who had married one of the daughters of the original owner. It's still in the Cooper Family and, oh boy... can Mr. Cooper cook!

The pit-cooked BBQ found at Cooper's is a little different than you'll find elsewhere in this part of the state: it's made without the mustard sauce and only has vinegar and spices.

Each day, the store is geared up with freshly cooked (for more than 12 hours, in fact) vinegar-based BBQ loaded with some (mild) spices and...

each day the locals and visitors line up for their taste of the goodness.

A group of picnic tables awaits outside so they can enjoy it in the country shade.

Aside from the mouthwatering BBQ, Cooper's Country Store (an Exxon gas station), also has a variety of essentials for the home. You'll find hardware, house decor, and more.

Generations of locals have relied (and still do) upon this old timey store for the staples of life and for just catching up with others in the community — and Mr. Cooper's BBQ is one of the common threads that binds them together.

Is your mouth watering yet?

Cooper's Country Store is located at 6945 US Hwy. 521, Salters, SC 29590, between Columbia and Pawleys Island. It's open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Learn more on their Facebook page.

Have you ever eaten at Cooper's Country Store? What are your favorite places to get BBQ in South Carolina? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below and be sure to let us know of any other places to get gas station BBQ in South Carolina!

If you're hungry for more soul-satisfying comfort food, visit these 7 delicious hole in the wall restaurants in South Carolina.