#30. Whistle Stop at The American Cafe
- Rating: 3.1/5 (255 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 109 South Main St. Travelers Rest, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp

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 Greenville 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 Greenville 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!
You may also like: Highest-paying jobs for people with 2-year degrees in Greenville
- Rating: 3.1/5 (255 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 109 South Main St. Travelers Rest, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.2/5 (120 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1125 Woodruff Road Ste 1500 Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, American, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.2/5 (270 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3140 Wade Hampton Blvd. Taylors, South Carolina
- Categories: Steakhouses, Barbecue, American
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.4/5 (37 reviews)
- Address: 700 Haywood Road Haywood Mall Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Brazilian, Barbecue, Steakhouses
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.4/5 (39 reviews)
- Address: 502 Southeast Main St. Simpsonville, South Carolina
- Categories: Burgers, Steakhouses, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
You may also like: Highest-rated ice cream shops in Greenville by diners
- Rating: 3.5/5 (57 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 7000 White Horse Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Southern, Barbecue, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.6/5 (350 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1 South Main St. Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, American, Southern
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.6/5 (49 reviews)
- Address: 1204 Woodruff Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.6/5 (116 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 815 Laurens Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.7/5 (38 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 8590 Pelham Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
You may also like: Highest-rated Asian restaurants in Greenville by diners
- Rating: 3.7/5 (1059 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 64 Beacon Drive Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Southern, American
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.8/5 (174 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 101 West Road Greer, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.8/5 (306 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 930 South Main St. Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Sports Bars, American
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.9/5 (73 reviews)
- Address: 1145 Woodruff Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Korean, Hot Pot, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 3.9/5 (56 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 214 East Butler Road Mauldin, South Carolina
- Categories: Buffets, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
You may also like: Where people in Greenville are looking to buy homes
- Rating: 3.9/5 (284 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 240 Wade Hampton Blvd. Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Smokehouse
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.0/5 (20 reviews)
- Address: 1312 Stallings Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Food Trucks, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.0/5 (32 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2428 Hudson Road Greer, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.1/5 (29 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 148 Walnut Lane Unit G Travelers Rest, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.1/5 (49 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 33D Ray East Talley Court Simpsonville, South Carolina
- Categories: Pubs, Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
You may also like: Highest-rated Tex-Mex restaurants in Greenville by diners
- Rating: 4.2/5 (433 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 30 Orchard Park Drive Ste 7 & 8 Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.3/5 (142 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 109 West Stone Ave. Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.3/5 (85 reviews)
- Address: 447 West Butler Road Mauldin, South Carolina
- Categories: Seafood, Barbecue, Vegan
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.3/5 (170 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 1700 Roper Mountain Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.4/5 (274 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 214 Rutherford St. Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Desserts, Sandwiches
- Read more on Yelp
You may also like: Highest-rated steak restaurants in the Greenville area by diners
- Rating: 4.4/5 (179 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5021 Pelham Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2010 Perimeter Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.6/5 (49 reviews)
- Address: 11028 Anderson Road Piedmont, South Carolina
- Categories: American, Barbecue, Bars
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.6/5 (268 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2131 Woodruff Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue, Caterers
- Read more on Yelp
- Rating: 4.6/5 (106 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 2401 Old Buncombe Road Greenville, South Carolina
- Categories: Barbecue
- 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.
You may also like: Highest-rated restaurants for tacos in the Greenville area by diners