Dig Into National BBQ Month
- Lake Hartwell Country
- May 1
- 3 min read
The Carolinas are known for their barbecue, and our region, Lake Hartwell Country, is no different! With a rich history and as one of the only states with 4 or 5 distinct barbecue “regions,” South Carolina BBQ is a must-try. Whatever your preference in sauce, style, or sides, the barbecue joints in LHC deliver. Celebrate National Barbecue Month with us at some of our favorite restaurants!
Anderson County
Take a drive down Clemson Boulevard between Anderson and Pendleton, and you won’t be able to miss The Smokin’ Pig! Located in what looks to be a simple, rustic red barn, this delicious restaurant is much more than meets the eye. Open only Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, chefs spend the rest of the week smoking meats low and slow. Ribs, brisket, pulled pork and chicken, and an array of delicious Southern sides and desserts make The Smokin’ Pig a can’t-miss. Plus, they renovated the outside of their Pendleton location to include a beer trailer and outdoor games – a great way to entertain the family as you await a table in this always-packed restaurant. The Smokin’ Pig has two other locations in Anderson and Easley, so we recommend trying each and seeing which whets your appetite the most!
Fork Grove Barbecue is bringing the Texas-style BBQ to South Carolina, located out in the country on Highway 187 S. Also open only Thursday through Saturday, Dylan Cooke and his team travel the BBQ circuit and show off their wares to seasoned judges and hungry fans alike. Make sure to try their house-made sausages, a unique offering with plenty of zing. Bring your appetite and don’t be afraid to ask for to-go boxes – the portions are as hearty as the food itself.
Oconee County
Stop by Little Pigs Bar-B-Q in Seneca for barbecue options for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a full-size platter or jumbo plate with sides, or you’re just craving a few wings, their wide menu gives you a tasty assortment without sacrificing quality or tradition. Their house-made sauces also pay homage to South Carolina’s BBQ history and position as a barbecue melting pot. Hot BBQ, mustard sauce, vinegar-based sauce, an Upstate take on the Alabama white sauce, and so many more mean your meal will never be boring. You can also visit their location in Easley.
You may not expect to find award-winning barbecue in West Union, but we promise a great surprise ahead at Big D’s House of BBQ! You can order meats as platters or sandwiches, and order sides and desserts individually or by the pound. After a busy day on Lake Keowee, Big D’s is a great place to reenergize and fill up on delicious, hearty food.
Pickens County
Though all the counties in Lake Hartwell County offer exciting activities and beautiful scenery, we especially love Pickens’ preserves and parks. Work up an appetite by getting lost in nature before you fill you fill your belly. We love turning a family lunch into a day-long adventure: start at Upstate Zipline in Sunset and soar over Keowee-Toxaway State Park, then enjoy the scenic drive down to Pickens to fill your belly at The Porkette. You’ll want to make sure you’re hungry as the chefs at The Porkette are experts in BBQ, Cajun, and classic Southern cooking.
Cap off game day celebrations or just a day in downtown Clemson with Palmetto’s Smokehouse and Oyster Bar. As you can tell from the name, they offer more than barbecue – but that doesn’t mean they don’t know their stuff! We love their Brunswick Stew, a Southern staple loaded up with veggies, seasonings, and of course, smoked meats. While other restaurants offer the stew as a side, it’s a star on its own at Palmetto’s. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Carolina barbecue is distinct and delicious, and these restaurants (and many more!) in Lake Hartwell Country do not disappoint. Enjoy a day filled with exciting adventures, beautiful nature, and Southern tradition – and be sure to cap it off with a filling barbecue dinner at any of our amazing local joints.
