South Carolina is pork country. Whole hog, mustard sauce, smoke that seeps into your clothes for days. But not all pits are created equal. Some joints keep the flame of tradition alive; others twist it, bend it, and make it something new. Both are worth your time – and your appetite.
1. Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ
Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ is a cathedral of flavor in Charleston. Renowned pitmaster Rodney Scott, a James Beard awardee, cooks with unmatched patience, using fire and vinegar sauce sharp enough to wake the dead. His whole hog approach is legendary, with every bite offering a taste of tradition and innovation.
The personal touch is in the details, from the wood selection to the sauce mop. Eating here is more than a meal; it’s an experience that connects you to Southern roots. Rodney doesn’t just cook; he creates memories seasoned with authenticity.
2. Shealy’s Bar-B-Que
Shealy’s Bar-B-Que in Batesburg-Leesville is a haven for those craving old-school Southern comfort. Their buffet is legendary, heaping with classic pork, hash, rice, and crispy fried chicken. No pretense here, just the kind of spread that small towns cherish.
Locals gather around tables piled high with food, sharing stories and laughter. The atmosphere is warm, inviting—a reminder of simpler times. Eating at Shealy’s feels like joining a family gathering, where the food is just as important as the company. It’s a taste of nostalgia that never goes out of style.
3. Hite’s Bar-B-Que
At Hite’s Bar-B-Que in West Columbia, tradition calls only on weekends, cash in hand. Known for shoveling coals under whole hogs just like fifty years ago, this place makes no apologies for sticking to its roots. Here, the flavor is as authentic as it gets…