Here Are The 13 Most-Recommended BBQ Restaurants In South Carolina, According To Our Readers

We are very serious about barbecue in this state! But that’s to be expected with it being the birthplace of the cuisine. We even have a BBQ trail in South Carolina highlighting some of the best spots to indulge in this wonderful southern tradition. But we thought we’d take a different approach on the topic and let you know what the best BBQ restaurants in South Carolina according to you are! Ready? Let’s go …

We're going to start this list off with the "honorable mentions," which were all very close in the number of recommendations you made. Because of this, they are in two groups of four, which are in alphabetical order. Group 2:

Bessingers Bar-B-Q

– Charleston

Midway BBQ – Buffalo

You will find some of the best barbecue in South Carolina here!

One Hot Mama’s – Bluffton, Hilton Head Island

*Psst! You must not miss the chocolate ribs here.

Sweatman’s Barbeque – Holly Hill

Group 1:

Circle M BBQ – Liberty

The chicken here is particularly good, too!

Duke’s Bar-B-Que – Orangeburg

Duke's BBQ is great for anyone who is craving an amazing meal! You'll never regret a trip here.

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que – Batesburg-Leesville

Smokin’ Pig – Anderson, Easley, Pendleton

And now for the Top 5 Countdown!

5. Lewis BBQ – Charleston, Greenville

Lewis BBQ is your Number 5 pick for delicious barbecue in South Carolina. And you're certainly in good company, right along with the Lewis BBQ cult following!

4. Lone Star BBQ Tavern & Grille – Santee

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, this restaurant was destroyed in a fire. There are hopes to rebuild, so check on the Lone Star BBQ Facebook page for updates.

Coming in at Number 4, Lone Star BBQ Tavern and Grille is one of your most loved barbecue spots in the state. Located in Santee,

Lone Star BBQ Tavern and Grille has a very interesting story behind its name and building.

3. Swig and Swine – Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville

The Number 3 most recommended place for barbecue you've identified is Swig and Swine, which has three locations in the greater Charleston area. When you're looking for BBQ in Summerville, SC, you will definitely want to try this delicious spot! And not only does it serve great barbecue, but you'll want to try some of the best corn pudding in South Carolina, too!

2. Carolina BBQ – New Ellenton

Your second place recommendation is Carolina BBQ, which guests continually say has the best barbecue they've ever had. It's located in New Ellenton, which is just outside of Aiken.

1. Scott’s Bar-B-Que – Hemingway, Charleston

It's no surprise that Scott's Bar-B-Que is your Number 1 pick, being that it's also been recognized by The New York Times and other publications for its amazing barbecue. Beyond that, Pitmaster Rodney Scott won the coveted James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Southeast. If you want to visit the original Scott's, take a day trip to Hemingway, which is about an hour west of Myrtle Beach.

And now … since we’ve opened up the floodgates, we know we’ll be getting even more feedback. Tell us your vote for the best BBQ restaurants in South Carolina in the comments section below! When you think "What are the best BBQ restaurants near me?" which ones come to mind? Is your favorite on this list? We look forward to hearing from you! And if you are planning a fun trip to multiple restaurants, you can prepare by taking a look at The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List by OnlyInYourState.