Good Stuff

Hudson’s: Best BBQ In The State?

WE THINK SO … This website’s founding editor – like most Southern boys – can’t get enough barbecue.  In fact whenever he travels to our nation’s capital, he makes a point to scour the surrounding locales for quality ‘cue rather than dine at overpriced D.C. restaurants. His favorite ‘cue joint,…

WE THINK SO …

This website’s founding editor – like most Southern boys – can’t get enough barbecue.  In fact whenever he travels to our nation’s capital, he makes a point to scour the surrounding locales for quality ‘cue rather than dine at overpriced D.C. restaurants.

His favorite ‘cue joint, though, is his hometown – well, “home county” ‘cue join – Hudson’s Smokehouse.

Hudson’s barbecue is simply the best in the Midlands region of the state – and possible the entire state.  And the buffet that surrounds it (mashed potatoes, rice, gravy, hash, squash, macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, corn-on-the-cob, northern beans, peach cobbler, watermelon, etc. etc. etc.) is rivaled only by the buffet at Little Pigs.

Hudson’s – which boasts the slogan “Taste the South in Your Mouth” – also has the best field peas we’ve ever put in our mouths.

Fair warning, though.  A few months ago our founding editor – enjoying the ill-gotten gains of a successful NCAA tournament wager – went back to the buffet line one too many times and nearly lapsed into a “food coma” as a result.  Seriously … an excessively generous portion on his third plate of ‘cue put him on his ass  for the remainder of that particular Friday.

In fact if any of this website’s enemies are looking for a way to temporarily silence the notoriously industrious Will Folks (a.k.a. Sic Willie), take him to Hudson’s and question his manhood once he’s finished his second plate of ‘cue.

He’ll be out like a light a few hours later …

Anyway … in addition to being all sorts of delicious, Hudson’s is a good value – $8.49 for the lunch buffet and $10.49 for dinner.  In fact if you’ve got a family, pay them a visit on Wednesday nights (when kids eat free).

And thus ends our gratuitous free advertising for the day …

What do you think? What’s your favorite place for barbecue in the Palmetto State (or beyond)? Post your thoughts in our comment section below …

RAPID REACTION

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75 comments

Kirby August 14, 2014 at 9:50 am

Cannon’s in Chpain is the best.

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Nölff August 14, 2014 at 10:00 am

There’s this old black guy with a smoker outside of a liquor store here in downtown greenville. Best ribs I ever had.

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sparklecity August 14, 2014 at 11:26 am

It might be the same guy I’ve seen outside a garage on US 29 in Lyman (of all places) a few weekends ago.
I didn’t have time to stop but if he returns and I have the chance, I’ll stop for sure.
There is also a guy with a big trailer with “Hot Smokin Butts” painted on the side that parks on the side of the road. I bought a plate and it wern’t bad – kinda in the middle of the pack as far as I’m concerned.

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GrandTango August 14, 2014 at 10:11 am

It’s possible Hudson’s did something inadvisable- of a political nature -recently…and must be trying to backtrack, paying FITS to shill for them. If Hudson’s is using this site as a sort of “mea culpa” I’m not too sure about its judgement.

And I hear some other things about the restaurant too. If FITS truly is the muckraker he claims to be – and his minions worship him for – and not some bought-and-paid-for Hack…he’ll report it….

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FFS August 14, 2014 at 10:21 am

Oh for fuck’s sake, shut the fuck up. Life isn’t about politics moron. Use some of your Medicaid money to live a little.

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sparklecity August 14, 2014 at 11:34 am

That’s a BIG 10-4!!!!!!!

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GrandTango August 14, 2014 at 12:14 pm

Life isn’t about politics????..then why was the unemployment rate a REAL 4.5% under Bush, and now 12 million fewer Americans have jobs under Obama? Why was gas about $2 a gallon under Bush, but now it’s been from $3 to $3.50 since Obama took over??..Look at the F*#king mess Obama made in Iraq and in Egypt. While Bush controlled those brutal animals like he was their daddy…

…like I said: you have to be one ignorant MoFo to be a liberal….

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Celebrate at Tangos August 14, 2014 at 12:30 pm

Just think Tangy, when you cut the tongue off of that trailer that you live in you can have a big affair and Hudson’s will cater.

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GrandTango August 14, 2014 at 12:14 pm

Life isn’t about politics????..then why was the unemployment rate a REAL 4.5% under Bush, and now 12 million fewer Americans have jobs under Obama? Why was gas about $2 a gallon under Bush, but now it’s been from $3 to $3.50 since Obama took over??..Look at the F*#king mess Obama made in Iraq and in Egypt. While Bush controlled those brutal animals like he was their daddy…

…like I said: you have to be one ignorant MoFo to be a liberal….

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Smirks August 14, 2014 at 11:29 am

You’re saying a barbeque restaurant did something of a political nature? Are you high or something?

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GrandTango August 14, 2014 at 12:13 pm

People own and run Restaurants, DUMB@$$….Just like PEOPLE have JOBS at corporations, regardless of what the DNC tells its idiots…. But you being a liberal, it’s no wonder you think a building cooks the food and serves it…

You have to be one ignorant MoFo to be a liberal…LMAO…

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Bob White August 14, 2014 at 12:28 pm

You have to be ARE one ignorant MoFo
That is all.

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GrandTango August 14, 2014 at 12:13 pm

People own and run Restaurants, DUMB@$$….Just like PEOPLE have JOBS at corporations, regardless of what the DNC tells its idiots…. But you being a liberal, it’s no wonder you think a building cooks the food and serves it…

You have to be one ignorant MoFo to be a liberal…LMAO…

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TiggerInTheWoodpile August 14, 2014 at 8:29 pm

Well they are on 378 at Lexington, along with some other Hudson businesses, and wasn’t Danny Frazier the 378 development kingpin? No suspicion is beyond this place.

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aikencounty August 14, 2014 at 10:11 am

Carolina BBQ, on the main drag in New Ellenton!

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Stinkbait August 14, 2014 at 10:16 am

It ain’t bad, but it ain’t Shealy’s.

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major major August 14, 2014 at 10:28 am

Shealy’s is tough to beat. Good thing I don’t live closer out that way or I’d weigh 400 lbs.

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Squishy123 August 14, 2014 at 3:13 pm

Shealy’s ain’t bad but it ain’t Sweatman’s.

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Deo Vindice SC August 16, 2014 at 10:04 pm

u won

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urbantrout August 15, 2014 at 11:02 am

Shealys isn’t even BBQ …it’s cooked in an oven.

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I Know Q August 14, 2014 at 10:22 am

Scott’s BBQ-Hemingway
Schoolhouse BBQ-Scranton/Lake City
Brown’s BBQ-Kingstree

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 10:57 am

Brown’s is worth a trip off the highway on the way to somewhere else – as for the rest of Kingstree, well, don’t blink or you’ll miss it

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I Know Q August 14, 2014 at 11:11 am

They know if it ain’t cooked with vinegar with red and black pepper and salt, it ain’t BBQ.

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costello August 14, 2014 at 10:33 am

Sweatman’s in Holly Hill gets my vote

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BBQ Review August 14, 2014 at 10:39 am

Bessingers in Columbia really sucks. Rude and smartass employees. BBQ is dry. And its expensive as all get out.

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Squishy123 August 14, 2014 at 9:43 pm

You mean you don’t like pork in mustard soup? Shittiest barbeque in Columbia, and maybe SC.

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ted August 14, 2014 at 10:39 am

Do yourself a big favor and try the saucey chick sandwich in Lexington/ Maurices Piggy Park. Never been a fan of Bessinger, but the sandwich is money.. Hudsons doesn’t even hold a candle.

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Dice Man August 14, 2014 at 10:43 am

You need to get out more, Sic. Hudson’s is a nice place but…….

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Just another guy August 14, 2014 at 10:46 am

Best Ribs outside of Memphis is Pig Out in Lyman South Carolina. Get the hot mustard sauce. It is out of this world.

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 10:50 am

“Best” is a tough measure but for lunch Doc’s on Shop Road is a tasty treat and bound to send you into food driven narcolepsy for about $10.

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CorruptionInColumbia August 14, 2014 at 11:11 am

I haven’t been there yet, but I keep hearing that from various people. Do you know what days/hours they keep?

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 11:24 am

Monday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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CorruptionInColumbia August 14, 2014 at 11:42 am

Thank You, sir!

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 11:49 am

I’m thinking about heading there right now, all this talk or BBQ has made me hungry.

CorruptionInColumbia August 14, 2014 at 10:54 am

Vegetable Medley in Oak Grove has decent BBQ and hash. On Saturdays, they have ribs and they are really good in that most have useful amounts of meat on them, something that I haven’t always found in abundance with all BBQ places.

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Adam Cates August 14, 2014 at 11:05 am

Scott’s in Hemingway

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Mike Copeland August 14, 2014 at 11:15 am

I do not understand the need some have to declare this or that the best Bar-be-que in the state, nation, planet, solar system, etc. That said, once a month, or so, I drive from my home near Five Points for the sole purpose of eating at Hudson’s. Everything is very good. Even so, there is no “best.” There is only the excellence that confirms your belief in the benefits of competition in the market place. Its competitive adversaries improve Hudson’s as Hudson’s improves them. It is left to me to bask in their collective brilliance.

My father told me that it was the height of ill manners to even offer a suggestion, much less a criticism, regarding a friend’s grilling technique or meat smoking technique or, God forbid, sauce. “There are a million ways to do bar-be-que right and at least half a million ways to do it brilliantly,” he would say. And, he was right.

I believe the sentiment pertains as well to commercial efforts.

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sparklecity August 14, 2014 at 11:17 am

Upstate: Seller’s in Duncan is damn good and has brisket (only brisket outside of Texas and of all places —- WISCONSIN!! worth a damn). Midway in Union/Buffalo is good as well and has been there for years – real “old school”
I’m a Bar-B-Que nut myself and I have heard/read a lot about Sweatman’s over the years but have not had the chance/opportunity to get there.
I have to admit that i do like mustard sauce but since I am “old school” and I favor the GREAT STATE of North Carolina’s Bar-B-Que, REAL Bar-B-Que don’t need fucking sauce.
Nothr Carolina: Three Pines in Albemarle, Jackson’s in Wilmington (Wilmington has a number of “old school” joints so I will leave it at that). Just about any town has a joint that can satisfy you “Jones” for Bar-B-Que.
Another one that has made mention in books and newspapers articles is “Short Sugar’s” in Danville,Virginia (I ate there before it became well known while on an engineering project for Dan River, Inc.). Flavor was unbelieveable and their homemade hushpuppies look like onion rings of all things.
And believe it or not, some of the best Bar-B-Que I’ve ever had was at a little joint in Madison, Wisconsin years ago. The pork and beef brisket was to die for and the wall was covered with trophies (and this was in the early 90’s WAY before Bar-B-Que competions were the rage).
All in all, I think NC offers better Bar-B-Que choices state wide. But we all know that that argument about which state/area has the best Bar-B-Que will never be settled (nor should it). Going down the road and seeing some place that has been there for 50 years and stopping in – that’s half the fun and enjoyment.
Bar-B-Que is kinda like sex, I’ve never had any bad Bar-B-Que or bad sex – the worst of either still makes my day!!!!!

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 11:30 am

Jackson’s in Wilmington is another one of those “worth the detour” places. There’s a great place on Oak Island south of Wilmington called, oddly enough, The Barbeque House that’ll make your tongue beat your lips to death.

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CorruptionInColumbia August 14, 2014 at 11:47 am

Barbeque House sounds like an old girlfriend I had. She had impressive meat curtains.

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 11:50 am

I think that would be “…her lips will beat your tongue and lips to death…”

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sparklecity August 14, 2014 at 12:24 pm

I was on a job in Wilmington for 9 months and ate at Jackson’s a bunch.
The Wilmington area has a bunch of good Bar-B-Que places (most are “old school” at that!!!)
A&G’s in Carolina Beach comes to mind as one of them.
I haven’t been to Oak Island. We vacation in Wrightsville or Carolina Beach so if I get the chance, I’ll try to try it out.
Thanks!!!!!
*******One more in the Upstate I forgot to mention is “Southside Bar-B-Que” in Landrum (on US 276 before you get into town). It is real good and I know the owner Robbie. He has been in the Bar-B-Que business for years and takes his cooking serioulsy (including Cajun stuff). Great menue and has liquor license. We live about 15 minutes away and eat there about once or twice per month. If you are made by the “Missus” to go to Landrum to look at fucking antiques, the least she owes you is to eat some Bar-B-Que and have a beer!!!

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BarbeQue August 14, 2014 at 8:24 pm

“Midway in Union/Buffalo is good as well and has been there for years – real “old school”

Since 1941 if I recall the sign correctly.

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Mike Copeland August 14, 2014 at 11:19 am

Damn, Sic, I read the other comments. You’ve stepped in it now. I’d hire some security if I was you. Even insulting by omission can bring out the crazies when it comes to bar-be-que. I am surprised you didn’t know that. Are you sure you’re from around here?

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Smirks August 14, 2014 at 11:20 am

I’ve only been to Hudson’s once. The barbeque wasn’t bad, but a lot of the other food at the buffet tasted very odd. Never been back.

Not sure I can call any one joint the “best” but there’s plenty of good options in Columbia.

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CorruptionInColumbia August 14, 2014 at 11:46 am

I remember one of the last times I was in the Lexington restaurant, I saw Nikki and Michael (when she was running for Governor). At the time, I thought it a good thing. How times and impressions change.

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sparklecity August 14, 2014 at 11:30 am

Seriously, with all the bullshit going on in the country and world at present it’s good to discuss something that is near and dear to just about every red-blooded male in the South and over the entire United States for that matter – no matter what political persuasion.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks “FITS”.
Sincerely,
Sparklecity ( a true Bar-B-Que lover – just ask Mrs. “Sparklecity”!!!!!)

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Tazmaniac August 14, 2014 at 5:03 pm

Anyone who brings Politics into a Q discussion should be shot.

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 11:40 am

Fit’s love this one but Bucky’s Bar-B-Q on N Pleasantburg Dr in fabulous Greenville across the street from Bob Jones University has the best “bar-b-q samich” around, they smoke it in the store and chop it before your eyes to order. You get to look at all the hot coeds from BJU while you’re eating (in their ankle length skirts and “school marm” tops)

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MPATiger August 14, 2014 at 3:55 pm

One correction they don’t smoke it at the location on 291 (N. Pleasantburg Dr.to folks that aren’t from here). They smoke all of their Q at the Roper Mountain Rd. location and send it to 291, and Donaldson Center locations. That being said it is still pretty good Q.

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The Colonel August 14, 2014 at 5:14 pm

When did they quit, they used to have a fire going in the store.

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Tazmaniac August 14, 2014 at 5:02 pm

BJU? LOL Colonel.

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RogueElephant August 14, 2014 at 11:51 am

Sweatman’s in Holly Hill is the best BBQ I have eaten in SC. Lots of vinegar and mustard. Eastern NC with the vinegar and red pepper is still the best. A shot of Texas Pete makes most SC BBQ tolerable. Rule of thumb : If it don’t bite back it ain’t BBQ.

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CorruptionInColumbia August 14, 2014 at 11:52 am

I really miss the old Hammy’s that was in Elgin, just inside of Kershaw County on US 1. Their hash was absolutely the best. The Barbecue pork and fixings (slaw, etc) were all top notch. Some years ago, the owner retired and it closed. :-(
I went into a revamped version of Hammy’s that opened in that location a few months later and it was not the same at all. The white rice (served with the hash) was more flavorful than the hash, if you know what I mean. I wish someone could obtain their old recipes and preparation methods and open up and let word get out. They would have a successful business for sure!

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Squishy123 August 14, 2014 at 9:51 pm

I miss Millanders BBQ near I-26 and 378 that closed about 10 years ago. They had the best hash I’ve ever eaten and decent ribs on their buffet.

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Barbarossa August 14, 2014 at 12:11 pm

I’m a “Dutch Forker”, which means that I have a genetic pre-disposed affinity toward mustard base sauce, right? Wrong!! IMHO, the BEST BARBECUE IN SC – IN FACT THAT I’VE HAD IN MY NUMEROUS TRAVELS ACROSS THE US – is out of Manning, SC. Yep, the best barbecue to me is the sweet, peppery, vinegary sauced BBQ of McCabes. That said, regardless of sauce, if the pork is pulled (not chopped, yuck!!), properly cooked with the right wood, and not killed with sauces, IT’S ALL GOOD! And for it’s worth, to me, the most underrated midlands BBQ is “Farm Boys” out of Chapin.

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Hubba Hubba August 14, 2014 at 12:24 pm

Been seeking the best for 40 years and, hands down, Hubba Hubba in Flat Rock, NC has the best pulled pork I have ever had. Sauce is served on the side so take your pick, the pulled strands are not fatty but not dry, and this chef who cooked for the kids camps and trained in France is always coming up with a variety of sides.

Starr Teel knows his que, it’s fully wood-smoked (a dying tradition) and seating is all outdoor. Unfortunately he is across the state line but worth the drive especially on a nice fall day when the teams are playing away games.

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Ol Strom August 14, 2014 at 1:11 pm

No such thing as great BBQ in the Midlands or Upstate. You have to go to the Pee Dee for that. Browns in Kingstree is very good. Schoolhouse in Scranton is not bad, but somewhat erratic. Fatbacks in Coward is better, assuming they’re still open.

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sparklecity August 14, 2014 at 2:52 pm

The Pee Dee region is just an extension of eastern North Carolina
“nuff said”

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Ol Strom August 15, 2014 at 8:09 pm

They are indeed similar. However, all of the eastern North Carolina BBQ I have come across has been a watered down version of what you get in the Pee Dee. Still vinegar and pepper, but no real kick to it.

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Mary August 14, 2014 at 1:12 pm

Cock pit near the stadium. Best in columbia!

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It's a Trap! August 14, 2014 at 1:24 pm

Great post Will…. BBQ discussion is obviously good for thousands of hits. (Cooper’s Country Store and Scott’s; lowcountry bbq is the only bbq)

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Karl August 14, 2014 at 3:51 pm

ummm Smokin Pig in Pendleton…

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Paladin August 15, 2014 at 9:19 pm

Yep. I’m driving 4 hours tomorrow just to get some of their amazing brisket, And brunswick stew. And nanner piddin.

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Tom August 14, 2014 at 4:14 pm

Shealy’s in Batesburg-Leesville is the best!

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urbantrout August 15, 2014 at 11:00 am

Pork cooked in a oven is the best? Get back on your meds.

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BBQ FTW! August 14, 2014 at 4:26 pm

I’m bookmarking this one, lots of good info in the comment section.

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Tazmaniac August 14, 2014 at 5:11 pm

My job and my girl’s family is throughout NC, so that is almost all my Carolina Q eating. Best IMO is Smiley’s in the other Lexington, makes an awesome chicken wing that is good, can’t quite figure out how they do it.. Parker’s in Wilson, NC is pretty good, the fried chicken was more memorable though.

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Soft Sigh from Hell August 14, 2014 at 8:39 pm

The heck with the best. What is wonderful about SC is there are some many good and great BBQ places.
BTW: SC high-school geography textbook of past years had a map of BBQ sauce types in the state. Not many states could claim that. USC’s Geography Department once produced a map of the BBQ places of SC (or so I once read).

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tomstickler August 14, 2014 at 8:44 pm

Sweatman’s between Holly Hill and Eutawville is good Q, but not much else on the buffet — unless they have not run out of skins.

Scotts west of Hemingway is nothing but Q, but smoked on-site and worth the trip.

For all-round excellence — good Q and a buffet that cannot be beat — Prossers in Murrells Inlet!

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BBQ MAN August 15, 2014 at 6:13 pm

I can’t believe no one has mentioned McAbe’s in Manning. Vinegar based and smoked, much better that Hudsons. Fresh vegetables on the buffet not the USA foods canned stuff.

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TontoBubbaGoldstein August 14, 2014 at 10:56 pm

Dukes in O’burg for basc plate. Rice, hash, slaw, meat.

Mama Browns in Mt Pleasant. Don’t plan on much activity for the rest of the day.

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BBQ expert August 15, 2014 at 12:06 am

Ladies and Gentlemen you have never heard of this place but for the best smoked ribs and BBQ with whatever sauce you like…Drop in to True BBQ in West Cola…they have the grille out front smoking…Best BBQ in our state!!!

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urbantrout August 15, 2014 at 10:59 am

Shealy’s? Little Pigs? I don’t think so….if it’s not cooked over wood, it isn’t BBQ, it’s crap made by people either too lazy or don’t give a damn to make it correctly.

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Deo Vindice SC August 16, 2014 at 10:03 pm

the secret sauce is ?

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