Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Columbia area by diners
Highest-rated barbecue restaurants in the Columbia area by diners
Barbecue stands as one of America's most cherished culinary traditions, weaving together a rich tapestry of history, regional diversity, and evolving flavors that resonate with diners from coast to coast. A July 2022 YouGov survey revealed that nearly all Americans (96%) who consume meat enjoy barbecue, underscoring its widespread enduring appeal and cross-cultural significance. Among the 1,000 survey respondents, Texas dominated as the place most often associated with barbecue, but the cuisine's roots expand far beyond the Lone Star State.
American barbecue can be traced back to Indigenous cooking techniques and was further enriched by the influences of enslaved Africans. In the centuries since, it's evolved into a multifaceted culinary art with distinct regional styles: the tangy, vinegar-based sauces and slow-cooked pork of the Carolinas; the tender brisket of Texas with sauce served on the side; the robust, sweet-forward flavors characteristic of Kansas City; and Alabama's signature mayo-based white sauce drizzled over some juicy chicken.
Alongside these classic offerings, innovative interpretations have surged in popularity in recent decades, as multicultural variants such as Korean BBQ, with its marinated cuts and sizzling grill presentations, and Mexican barbacoa, known for its richly spiced, slow-cooked succulence, have carved out their own niche in the competitive barbecue landscape.
Over the years, barbecue has not only mirrored America's evolving palate but has also fostered a spirit of community, as festivals, backyard cookouts, and friendly competitions celebrate the art of smoking and grilling—traditions lovingly passed down from generation to generation.
Nationwide, barbecue restaurants today greet families and friends with the intoxicating aroma of slow-smoked meats served on sturdy metal trays, often covered in rustic butcher paper. And what meal would be complete without those hearty sides? Whether you opt for gooey mac and cheese and smoky collard greens or crumbly cornbread and creamy coleslaw, you can't go wrong.
If you're craving some good 'cue in your neck of the woods, Stacker has you covered with the highest-rated barbecue restaurants in Columbia based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025. Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "barbecue" within a 10-kilometer radius of Columbia were included. As a result, some restaurants featured may serve other food items.
Keep reading to see where to go when the hunger for all things low-and-slow strikes you!
#23. Cook Out
- Rating: 2.6/5 (89 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1101 Harden St. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: American, Barbecue, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#22. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 2.7/5 (129 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 902 Gervais St. Ste A Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#21. Carolina Wings
- Rating: 2.7/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2423 Fish Hatchery Road Cayce, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Chicken Wings
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Maurice's BBQ Piggie Park
- Rating: 2.8/5 (45 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4411 Devine St. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Maurice's BBQ Piggie Park
- Rating: 2.8/5 (25 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 252 Oneil Court Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#18. LongHorn Steakhouse
- Rating: 2.8/5 (88 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2760 Decker Blvd. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Texas Roadhouse
- Rating: 2.9/5 (233 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8304 Two Notch Road Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Steakhouses, American
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ
- Rating: 3.2/5 (50 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 800 Elmwood Ave. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Blythewood Seafood Emporium & BBQ Haven
- Rating: 3.5/5 (20 reviews)
- Address: 2000 Clemson Road Ste 6 Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Seafood, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Big T Bar-B-Q
- Rating: 3.5/5 (81 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7535C Garners Ferry Road Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Maurice's Piggie Park BBQ
- Rating: 3.6/5 (183 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1600 Charleston Hwy West Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#12. Angell Bros 1801 Grille
- Rating: 3.7/5 (30 reviews)
- Address: 700 Lincoln St. Ste 200 Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Seafood, Soup
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Home Team BBQ - Columbia
- Rating: 3.9/5 (230 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 700 Harden St. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Doc's Barbeque and Southern Buffet
- Rating: 4.1/5 (99 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1601 Shop Road Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings, Soul Food
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Palmetto Pig Bar-B-Q Restaurant
- Rating: 4.1/5 (146 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 530 Devine St. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Buffets
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Little Pigs BBQ
- Rating: 4.2/5 (369 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4927 Alpine Road Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#7. True BBQ
- Rating: 4.3/5 (203 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1237 D Ave. West Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Big Bulls Bangn BBQ & Southern Comfort Food
- Rating: 4.3/5 (340 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2614 Hard Scrabble Road Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Korea Garden Restaurant
- Rating: 4.3/5 (158 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2318 Decker Blvd. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
#4. Midwood Smokehouse
- Rating: 4.3/5 (931 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 702 Cross Hill Road Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse, American
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Railroad Bbq
- Rating: 4.7/5 (285 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2001 Hampton St. Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Chicken Wings, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
#2. City Limits Barbeque
- Rating: 4.9/5 (51 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1119 Methodist Park Road West Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Food Stands
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Johnson's Restaurant
- Rating: 5.0/5 (28 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 5200 Monticello Road Columbia, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Burgers
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Cynthia Rebolledo, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 281 metros.
