The Great Debate: South Carolina’s Best BBQ / Pizza / Seafood Spots Ranked
Just outside Charleston, in the charming town of Mount Pleasant, you’ll find Lewis Barbecue, a shrine for Texas-style smoked meats with a Lowcountry twist. About a 20-minute drive from downtown Charleston, this spot is famous for its brisket that has been slow-cooked over oak wood, a process that can take up to 18 hours. The interior, inspired by Austin’s barbecue joints, sets the scene with communal tables and a vibrant atmosphere that beckons both locals and visitors. Sampling their signature brisket or the smoked turkey alongside classic sides like pinto beans gives a taste of how South Carolina’s barbecue scene has embraced and adapted flavors beyond its traditional pork roots. The best time to visit is during the cooler months in fall or winter when a warm plate of smoked meat feels especially comforting.
Travel about two hours northwest from Charleston, and you’ll arrive in Greenville, a city that has become a surprising hotspot for pizza lovers. One standout is Pizzeria DePasquale, nestled in the vibrant West End District, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Greenville. Here, the focus is on Neapolitan-style pizza, with a perfectly blistered crust and fresh, locally sourced toppings. The lively setting in an old brick building adds charm, and the wood-fired oven performance is almost as enjoyable as the food. Their Margherita pizza, with its simple yet flavorful blend of San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil, showcases how Greenville’s pizza scene has matured into a serious culinary contender. Spring evenings during Greenville’s mild weather offer the ideal backdrop for enjoying a leisurely pizza dinner on their outdoor patio.
For the freshest seafood experience, the town of Beaufort, located roughly 45 minutes south of Savannah, Georgia, on the South Carolina coast, delivers an authentic Lowcountry feast. Dockside Seafood Market, set right on the waterfront, is the place to immerse yourself in local flavor. Visitors can watch fishermen unload the day’s catch before selecting shrimp, oysters, flounder, or blue crab to enjoy. Beaufort’s historic district, with its antebellum homes and moss-draped oaks, provides a stunning backdrop to a seafood meal, truly connecting diners with the region’s maritime heritage. The best time to visit is late summer when shrimp season peaks and the warm evenings invite dining outdoors by the water.
Moving inland to Columbia, the state capital, you’ll find a barbecue experience with a distinctly Midlands accent at Southern Belly BBQ. Located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Columbia, this eatery champions the mustard-based barbecue sauce that defines the region’s style. The pulled pork sandwich here is a must-try, accompanied by sides like baked beans and collard greens that reflect traditional Southern flavors. The industrial-chic setting near the Congaree Vista district is buzzing with a young, enthusiastic crowd. If you want to see the heart of Midlands barbecue culture, visiting during a weekend lunch rush offers a lively atmosphere and the chance to savor freshly smoked meats just off the smoker.
In the heart of historic Charleston, not far from the waterfront district, is Pizza Verace, where authentic Italian pizza gets a South Carolina boost. This cozy spot, a short walk from the bustling Market Street, crafts pies with a focus on organic ingredients and a wood-fired oven that reaches scorching temperatures to create a crisp, chewy crust. Their creative toppings, including locally sourced greens and artisanal cheeses, make for a uniquely Charleston pizza experience that bridges Old World techniques and Lowcountry ingredients. Winter evenings, when the city’s holiday lights twinkle, provide a magical setting to enjoy a pizza that tastes like it belongs in an Italian piazza, right in South Carolina.
If you head to the coastal city of Myrtle Beach, about a two-hour drive north of Charleston, you’ll encounter Sea Captain’s House, a seafood institution perched right on the Atlantic Ocean. The panoramic views of the ocean from the dining room make every bite of their locally harvested oysters, shrimp, and fresh fish even more memorable. Their approach honors time-honored Lowcountry recipes, offering dishes like shrimp and grits that celebrate the region’s seafood bounty with a rich, comforting flair. Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, when the ocean breeze is warm but not stifling, perfect for enjoying a meal with vast water views through the large windows.
Finally, the quaint town of Travelers Rest, set about 25 minutes north of Greenville, deserves a shout for its growing reputation as a place to find excellent barbecue. At The Anchorage, a farm-to-table restaurant located in the town’s historic district, the barbecue isn’t traditional pit-smoked but instead features house-cured and smoked meats that highlight local ingredients and innovative techniques. The setting is intimate, with rustic, reclaimed wood decor and a seasonal menu that changes frequently. This spot is great for visitors who want a modern interpretation of Southern barbecue paired with craft cocktails or local beers. Fall, when the Blue Ridge foothills are painted with vivid colors, is the perfect time to pair a visit to nearby Paris Mountain State Park with a meal at The Anchorage, combining outdoor adventure with refined Southern flavors.